The Atlanta Falcons, who lead the NFC South, were back on the practice fields on Wednesday to prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals, who sit on top of the NFC West, on Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a player more excited for Atlanta's Week 13 game against the Arizona Cardinals than Falcons safety William Moore.
The team's leader on defense has been sidelined since suffering a shoulder injury in Week 4. Unable to provide an on-field presence during the injury, Moore has made the most of his time on the sideline, encouraging and teaching the younger players in the secondary. His advice has paid off recently as safeties Kemal Ishmael and Dezmen Southward have totaled four interceptions in the last three weeks.
Falcons head coach Mike Smith said Wednesday that he will likely decide on Friday if Moore will be a go against the Cardinals.
"We're going to see how he feels," Smith said. "He's eligible to come back and he's worked on his conditioning, and he practiced last week on scout team, so we'll get a chance to see him for a couple more days."
If given the green light, Moore will be tested against the Cardinals offense that is filled with playmakers like running back Andre Ellington and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, whose status is uncertain because of a knee injury.
Regardless of the opposition, if allowed to play Sunday, Moore's agenda is already set.
"I need to come in there and contribute," Moore said. "I missed a lot of time, so it's going to be important that I come in and tackle well and know my assignment. I'm going to continue to go out there and play the way I've been playing. I'm sure I'll be alright playing Willy-Mo football. I'm going to take advantage of whatever opportunity I'm given."
