FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons rookie tight end Austin Hooper is eager to contribute in the postseason after being sidelined by a Grade 1 medial collateral ligament sprain in his left knee.
Hooper, who suffered the injury in a Dec. 18 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, returned to practice Wednesday. He missed the last two games of the regular season.
“It was good to be back on the field with my teammates,” Hooper said. “It was good to get back in the offense and get a good feel for the game after being out for a little bit. Overall, it was a good day.”
Hooper was relieved the injury wasn't much more serious.
“We were just doing an outside zone-type play and somebody just fell on me at the right ankle,” Hooper said. “I knew instantly, when it happened, what happened. I had the same injury in high school in the opposite knee. It was almost the same exact experience when it happened. It was the same spot and the same grade.”
Hooper knew no surgery would be required.
“I look at it as the best of a bad situation,” he said. “I lucked out for sure.”
Hooper could play a key role for the Falcons in the postseason, particularly as a red-zone target. He scored two of his three touchdowns on red-zone passes this season. His ability to secure the ball in traffic is an asset.
Hooper got a chance Wednesday to test his knee by going up and getting the ball again.
“I caught everything thrown my way,” Hooper said. “I wasn't running the full route tree, by any means. It was just a couple plays here or there. I'm sure the more comfortable I get and the faster I heal, the more stuff I'll be able to do. Day 1 week, take it a little slower.”
Falcons coach Dan Quinn said several players would be limited in practice as the Falcons await their divisional-round game on Jan. 14. Cornerback Robert Alford (knee) and left guard Andy Levitre (hip) didn't practice Wednesday, but Quinn didn't express great concern. Star wide receiver Julio Jones continues to recover from a toe sprain.
The key is getting everybody healthy next week in preparation for next Saturday's divisional playoff game at the Georgia Dome.
“Man, I don't know what to expect, this whole thing about being a rookie in the playoffs,” Hooper said. "I'll just try to be on point and master the details. I'll just listen to the vets and make the plays when I'm called upon.”