FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel, who missed last week’s game with a thigh injury, was on the field with a helmet and gloves during the open period of practice.
Samuel did light sprints before joining the defensive backs for the start of individual drills. He did not practice Thursday.
While Samuel showed signs of progress, running back Steven Jackson remained without a helmet as he continues to recover from a Week 2 hamstring injury. Jackson completed a few stretching exercises then observed as the running backs went through drills.
Jackson is not expected to play Monday night, but coach Mike Smith refused to rule him out just yet.
Linebacker Paul Worrilow, who started against the Patriots but exited with a knee injury, had a helmet on for the start of the special-teams portion of practice. Worrilow had his left knee heavily taped.
Stephen Nicholas, Omar Gaither and Joplo Bartu are expected to form the starting linebacker combination against the Jets.
Receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White were on the field in full practice gear. White wore a red compression sock on his left leg as he continues to recover from a high ankle sprain. Jones has been either held out or limited throughout the season in what has been labeled as a knee issue.
Update: Here is how Friday's injury report shaped up:
Did not participate: Jackson (hamstring)
Limited participation: Jonathan Babineaux (foot), Julio Jones (knee), Asante Samuel (thigh)*, Roddy White (ankle), Paul Worrilow (knee)*.
Full participation: Drew Davis (ankle)
*Indicates a change in status from the previous day.
