FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons starting left tackle Sam Baker and starting middle linebacker Akeem Dent have been ruled out of Monday night's game against the New York Jets with injuries.
Baker went down with a knee injury Sunday against the New England Patriots, while Dent suffered an ankle injury in the loss. Dent was spotted in the locker room wearing a walking boot on his right foot Thursday.
With Baker out, Lamar Holmes is expected to step back into a starting role at left tackle with Jeremy Trueblood at right tackle. Dent is expected to be replaced by newcomer Omar Gaither.
Also held out of practice were running back Steven Jackson (hamstring), cornerback Asante Samuel (thigh) and linebacker Paul Worrilow (knee).
Receivers Roddy White (ankle) and Julio Jones (knee), along with defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (foot), were limited Thursday.
Jackson was on the field in shorts Thursday as an observer. He hasn't practiced since tweaking his hamstring in a Week 2 win over his former team, the St. Louis Rams.
Coach Mike Smith remained optimistic about Jackson, although the running back said he wouldn't return until he is 100 percent.
"We're not going to rule him out at this point in time," Smith said. "He's working hard to get back. And we'll have to see how the rest of the week plays out."
