The Falcons' offense will have Tony Gonzalez available Thursday, although he may not be 100 percent. The Saints will be without Darren Sproles and Jahri Evans.
Tony Gonzalez has been marked active for the Atlanta Falcons for Thursday night's game against the New Orleans Saints. Gonzalez missed practice Monday and Tuesday because of a toe injury. He was able to return to practice Wednesday as a limited participant, however. Whether Gonzalez is 100 percent remains to be seen, but there's no doubt his presence will be a relief to quarterback Matt Ryan.
The Saints, meanwhile, will be without running back/key pass catcher Darren Sproles, who missed practice Tuesday and Wednesday because of knee and ankle injuries. On an offense that likes to spread the ball around, Sproles has been one of Drew Brees' most consistent targets this season. He is third on the team with 48 receptions for 463 yards. He has pitched in 146 yards on 38 carries on the ground.
The Saints will also be missing guard Jahri Evans because of an ankle injury. The absences of Sproles and Evans could hamper a high-flying Saints offense, though having Brees behind center should mitigate their losses substantially.
Full inactive lists below:
New Orleans Saints inactives
Week 12 NFL
• Week 12 picks• Uffsides previews Week 12• How to salvage Trent Richardson• Texans are struggling, here's why• RGIII media controversyDarren Sproles, RB -- Knee/Ankle
Jahri Evans, G -- Ankle
Tyrunn Walker, DE -- Knee
Nick Toon, WR
Trevin Wade, CB
Ryan Griffin, QB
Atlanta Falcons inactives
Malliciah Goodman, DE -- Calf
Omar Gaither, LB
Harland Gunn, G
Kemal Ishmael, DB
Brian Robiskie, WR
Josh Vaughan, RB
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