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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Falcons coach Dan Quinn says defensive tackle Grady Jarrett has been cleared to play after an ankle injury sidelined him for two games.
Jarrett, the team's best interior lineman, will start Monday night when Atlanta (2-4) hosts the New York Giants (1-5). Reserve end Derrick Shelby, out since Week 2 with a groin injury, is also expected to return.
Quinn added that receivers Mohamed Sanu and Calvin Ridley will likely play after being limited participants in practice Saturday. Sanu has a sore hip. Ridley has an ankle injury. Jarrett and Shelby were limited, too.
Getting Jarrett back is a big boost for a defense that ranks among the worst in the NFL after losing safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen to season-ending injuries and having its best linebacker, Deion Jones, sidelined another four weeks.
"Grady's energy, his voice, his demeanor — he brings a lot to the team," Quinn said. "It allows a day like today where the red-zone communication was so good because it was the same voices and the same things going. I'm feeling the connection I hoped I'd feel from the defensive side."
Kicker Matt Bryant, in his eighth year with Atlanta and 17th overall, has a strained hamstring and will miss his first game since 2009. Giorgio Tavecchio will take his place.
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