FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White finally returned to the practice field Thursday -- wearing a stocking cap rather than a helmet.
White was an observer -- at least during the viewing portion of practice -- as he continues to recover from hamstring and ankle injuries that kept him out of the last game. The veteran was in the locker room Thursday morning while the rest of the team was going through the walkthrough.
It seems unlikely White will play Sunday at Arizona, but the team hasn’t ruled him out just yet. White previously said he should have been more cautious while coming off a preseason high-ankle sprain, so one would expect him to be more conservative this time around.
Also, running back Steven Jackson was dressed in full practice gear for the second consecutive day coming off a hamstring injury. Although Jackson said Wednesday he was ready to give it a go, the veteran clarified his comments to ESPN.com, saying he was referring to practice and not Sunday’s game against the Cardinals. Jackson hasn't played in a game since Week 2.
Coach Mike Smith previously said Jackson would be limited in practice this week while his progress is being monitored.
Fellow running back Jason Snelling, hobbled by an ankle injury, was not on the field for the viewing portion of practice. Neither was linebacker Stephen Nicholas, who suffered a quad injury in the last game.
Starting left tackle Sam Baker (knee) said he's hopeful to play Sunday after returning to practice this week.
