The Falcons figure to be nearly at full strength Sunday when they play at Cleveland, as starting right cornerback Robert Alford will return to the lineup, and coach Dan Quinn said after Friday’s practice that the only player ruled out against the Browns will be kicker Matt Bryant.
Alford missed Sunday’s 38-14 win in Washington with a sprained ankle, and rookie Isaiah Oliver started in his place.
“He looked good,” the coach said of Alford, who was limited Thursday. “I felt today he looked at his best, was really aggressive and playing well, so I definitely liked how he looked. “
Bryant kicked in practice Thursday for the first time since straining his right hamstring Oct. 14 against the Buccaneers, yet will miss his third consecutive contest. Giorgio Tavecchio will continue to handle placekicking duties.
“(Bryant) kicked yesterday and he’s not quite there, so we’ll hold him another week and see where it goes,” Quinn explained.
Recently signed veteran defensive end Bruce Irvin will play in the game, although it hasn’t been decided how much.
“The good news is he’s in shape and he’s fit. I haven’t gone into that with him yet,” Quinn said. “I may go into the weekend on the that. He and Vic (Beasley) and Takk (McKinley) will rotate some throughout the game, and that’s a good thing. I haven’t put a cap on it.”
