Horn and 3 others doubtful vs. Cards

The Falcons have a few injuries this week as they prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals on the road. The team listed three players on their Friday injury report as doubtful, along with one questionable, and three probables.

The biggest name among those listed as doubtful is wide receiver Joe Horn. Horn was only able to participate in a limited fashion on Thursday of this week, missing both Wednesday and Friday practices due to the flu. Both tight end Alge Crumpler and quarterback Joey Harrington missed some practice time this week due to the flu, but neither player is listed on the injury report, and thus is expected to play on Sunday.

Also doubtful were defensive tackle Tim Anderson and defensive back Antoine Harris, both out with knee injuries. Harris has missed the last two games due to a bone bruise on his knee. If Anderson does not play, it's possible that Jesse Mahelona will get his first action of the season for the Falcons.

Cornerback Chris Houston was the only player listed as questionable, as he's suffering from a knee injury as well. The team is already without cornerback Lewis Sanders and coupled with Harris's injury it likely will put more of the onus on reserve David Irons and the newly added Brent Grimes to step up. Irons has served primarily on special teams this season. He currently leads the team with 12 special teams tackles, but has yet to record a regular defensive stop all year long.

The three probable players are defensive end John Abraham (knee), quarterback Byron Leftwich (ankle), and center Todd McClure (illness). Both Leftwich and McClure missed Friday practice, while Abraham was limited all week and did not practice on Wednesday. But all are expected to play on Sunday.

For the Arizona Cardinals, their most prominent injuries are that both starting receivers: Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are listed as questionable for Sunday's game with groin and toe injuries, respectively.

Crumpler and Sanders on injury report

The Falcons released their Friday injury report and there weren't any significant changes from a week ago. For the second straight week, tackle Todd Weiner (knee) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (ankle) are both listed as out for this Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The notable changes occurred with tight end Alge Crumpler listed as doubtful due to a knee and ankle injury. Fullback Corey McIntyre, the team's special teams captain is also doubtful with a hamstring injury. Cornerback Lewis Sanders (shoulder) is questionable.

Weiner will be replaced for the second straight week with Tyson Clabo at right tackle. If Crumpler does not play, then Dwayne Blakley is expected to make the start. Whether Sanders is healthy enough to play on Sunday may not determine if he starts or not since it is believed that rookie Chris Houston may already be very close to passing him on the depth chart.

Also on the injury report listed as probable are defensive tackles Jonathan Babineaux and Rod Coleman, quarterback Joey Harrington, and wide receiver Joe Horn. Babineaux and Coleman were limited in practices on both Thursday and Friday, but still should play. Harrington had limited participation in practice all week, but with his recent demotion, his health is less of an issue. Horn's injury probably won't threaten his chance to play due to his eagerness to play against his former team.

Falcons move up for Houston

The Falcons moved up three spots in the second round, from the 44th overall to the 41st overall to take Arkansas cornerback Chris Houston. It is the second former Razorback the Falcons have taken in this draft after No. 1 pick Jamaal Anderson.

Houston is considered one of the top cornerbacks in this league. Houston (5'11" 185) impressed at the Combine with his speed, running a 4.32 40-yard dash, and benching 225 pounds 27 times showing impressive strength for his size.

Houston went up against some of college football's top wideouts last season including Dwayne Jarrett and Robert Meachem, and came away the victor.

Houston could challenge last year's second round pick Jimmy Williams for a starting job, but more than likely solidifies the nickel spot for the short-term, and gives the team another potential starter at cornerback.

The Falcons traded the second of their three 4th round picks (121st overall) to the Minnesota Vikings in order to draft Houston.