Several Falcons return from injury

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC reports that center Todd McClure and cornerback Chris Houston has returned to practice. They were out with a back injury and dislocated shoulder, respectively Also wide receiver Laurent Robinson has resumed work after missing time with a bruised tailbone.

No report yet on whether all three players will be healthy enough to play on Saturday in the preseason home opener against the Indianapolis Colts. Alex Stepanovich started for McClure last week at center against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but too has been injured due to a back injury. In his stead, the team has worked reserve tackle Quinn Ojinnaka to center to provide more depth behind Ben Wilkerson and Doug Datish.

Houston is expected to be a starting cornerback for the Falcons, but is being pushed by Chevis Jackson who replaced him in last week's preseason game.

Robinson has been listed as third on the team's unofficial depth chart at wide receiver behind Michael Jenkins and Brian Finneran, and will be involved in the mix for increased playing time.

Rookie James out for year

The Falcons announced that they waived/injured rookie linebacker Robert James, who has missed time with a concussion. If James clears waivers, he will be placed on the Falcons injured reserve, joining cornerback Von Hutchins and offensive lineman Pat McCoy, as all will miss the season.

James was a fifth round draft choice for the Falcons competing for a reserve spot at weakside behind Keith Brooking. But he had recently been leapfrogged by veteran Coy Wire already in camp on the depth chart.

In other injury news, the AJC reports that tight end Martrez Milner is not expected to play this Saturday in the team's preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Also Todd McClure, who has been nursing a back injury is expected to return to practice this week, but it's still unknown if he'll be held out of the Jaguars game. According to an AP report, offensive tackle Todd Weiner will also be held out this week's preseason game.