5 things we learned about the Falcons on Wednesday

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FLOWERY BRANCH -- Here are the five things we learned Wednesday about the Falcons (8-7), who host New Orleans (6-9)  at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons, who have won two in a row, will seek to avenge a 31-21 loss to the Saints on Oct. 15.

Atlanta Falcons' Roddy White (84) runs after catching a pass as Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) pursues in the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014. Photo: Bob Leverone, AP

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

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Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

1. TEAM FINALLY ANNOUNCES RYAN'S INJURY:

Although announcement was made during the Panthers game, it was pretty clear that Matt Ryan was injured. He continued to play.

2. RODDY WHITE WANTS TO RETURN: Wide receiver Roddy White, who turned 34 in November, was very candid and clear about his future. He wants to return and play at least two more years to help open the Mercedes Benz Stadium.

3. TIGHT END PROBLEM SOLVED: Safety Charles Godfrey played man-to-man on Panthers tight end Greg Olsen and helped to hold him to four catches for 40 yards. The Falcons struggled covering Saints tight end Ben Watson in the 31-21 loss on Oct. 15. Watson had 10 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown.

4. JONES NAMED NFC PLAYER OF THE WEEK ans WINS PFWA' GOOD GUY AWARD:  Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones was named the NFC's player of the week.  Jones was also won the team's Good Guy award, which is giving by the Pro Football Writers of America (Atlanta Chapter) to the player who helps those who regularly cover the team do their jobs.

5. DICKSON SIGNED TO PRACTICE SQUAD:  Falcons signed Xzavier Dickson (DE/OLB) to practice squad. Dickson was drafted by New England (No. 253 overall) in the seventh round. Dickson, who is from Griffin, played at Griffin High and Alabama.

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