Harry Douglas expected to play
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas (83) runs with the ball after a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Buccaneers 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons No. 2 wide receiver Harry Douglas suddenly missed Thursday’s practice with a knee issue, which led to some worries regarding his chances of playing today against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But when Douglas was able to get back on the practice field on Friday, most of those worries subsided. The Falcons have officially listed Douglas as questionable for today’s game, but it sounds like we should all expect Douglas to be out there.
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Falcons expect Douglas to play today and “were encouraged” by the work Douglas put in during Friday’s practice. That’s key, because his practice on Friday was really the only indicator for the Falcons to use in judging Douglas’s chances of playing. I mean, he suffered the knee injury at practice on Thursday, so it’s great to hear that Douglas put in a solid practice on Friday.
Douglas was never in serious threat to miss today’s game, but Rapoport’s morning report is definitely good confirmation for us. With at least 49 receiving yards since first starting in Week 7, Douglas’s solid play has been crucial due to injuries to Julio Jones and Roddy White this season. White returned last week, but he’s going to have another rough game with Darrelle Revis set to cover him today. Last week, Richard Sherman shut down White, and White probably won’t do much better. Revis is honestly a tad better than Sherman, but White should do a bit better since he is theoretically healthier. That said, Douglas looks poised to have a big game, especially since Tony Gonzalez is also hobbled with a toe injury.