FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- With all due respect to Kemal Ishmael, Atlanta Falcons free safety Dwight Lowery was eager to see William Moore return to the lineup.
The team made the expected move Friday when they activated Moore off short-term injured reserve and waived offensive tackle Cameron Bradfield. Moore had been sidelined since Week 4 with a right shoulder separation but is set to return to the starting lineup Sunday against Arizona.
"It's huge," Lowery said. "His experience, his leadership, his energy ... I mean, I can sit here all day and talk about what William brings to the table. He'll show you.
"He's ready. I know that. He's been out for a pretty long while and I'm sure he's had a lot of time to reflect on things, how the season has been going for us and how he can really help out in taking our defense and our team to another level as well. So it's going to be huge for us. And it's going to be huge for him."
Moore was listed as probable on the final injury report and had full participation in Friday's practice. His biggest concern is landing on the shoulder, but he'll wear protection underneath his shoulder pads.
Moore's return should help solve some of the communication problems the Falcons have had in the secondary. The defense continues to surrender too many explosive plays, with 13 plays of 40-plus yards yielded this season. That's part of the reason the Falcons have the league's worst defense statistically, allowing 409.9 yards per game.
About the only negative from Moore's return is that the emerging Ishmael -- with a team-leading four interceptions, including one in each of the last three games -- will back into a reserve role. Ishmael is sure to stay involved on defense in some capacity, particularly with defensive coordinator Mike Nolan utilizing a three-safety look throughout the season.
Regardless of how the Falcons align, Moore's return should provide a boost.
"It's weird because personality-wise, William and I are opposites," Lowery said. "But I understand him. And I understand how he sees the game and I appreciate it. I think it will help elevate my game and the play of the defense as well."
