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Webster out 4-6 weeks with groin strain
Topic Started: Nov 9 2006, 04:06 PM (170 Views)
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Webster out 4-6 weeks with groin strain
Rookie Jimmy Williams slated to start at CB against Browns

By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 11/09/06

Flowery Branch — The Falcons maligned secondary suffered another major setback when cornerback Jason Webster, the teams' fourth leading tackler, was lost for four to six weeks with a torn groin.

Webster was injured in Wednesday's practice, but stayed with the team. The extent of the injury was not discovered until MRI test results were available late ctured neck


The loss of Webster and nickel back Kevin Mathis, who suffered a fractured neck last week, means rookie Jimmy Williams will start at right cornerback and returner Allen Rossum will play in passing situations Sunday against Cleveland.

"It's a war of attrition in the NFL and right now we're struggling at one spot and that?s in the secondary," Falcons coach Jim Mora said.

The Falcons were already having trouble defending the pass. They are giving up 243.9 passing yards per game, 31st in the league.

"We built some depth at a whole lot of positions, but unfortunately we didn't build a whole lot of depth in the secondary and that?s where we are taking our hits," Mora said.

Webster has 47 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and five passes defensed in seven starts. He tied a career-high with 10 tackles last week against Detroit.

Williams did not practice on Thursday after rolling his ankle in special teams drills and was listed as questionable on the injury report.

"It?s just a little injury," said Williams, who expect to return to practice Friday.

Cleveland is 2-6, but boasts a group of talented receivers in tight end Kellen Winslow (51 catches) and wide receivers Joe Jurevicius and Braylon Edwards.

"They are going to wing it around and that's what people have been doing to us," Mora said. "I expect the same thing."

Williams was to see more action at cornerback after the Mathis injury. Williams was slated to move inside and cover slot receivers in the nickel package. With Webster out, Rossum will play that role.

Rossum played nickel back against Detroit after Mathis was injured on the opening kickoff.

"Winslow is a handful," Rossum said. "He doesn't have all of those catches for nothing. He?s a talented player.?

Rossum plans to fulfill his kickoff and punt return duties also.

"I'm going to come prepared to the game," Rossum said. "Unfortunately we've had some injuries and I was kind of like thrust into this position."

Williams and left cornerback DeAngelo Hall played together in college at Virginia Tech during the 2003 season. Williams has been mostly used on special teams this season.

"Anytime you lose a starter it's tough, but we feel like we have capable backups," Hall said. "Jimmy has been chopping at the bit to get out there on the field so he's going to get a chance to go out there and show everybody what he can do."

The Falcons don't plan to limit their coverages because of the new personnel on the field.

"We can't change things just because a guy gets hurt," safety Chris Crocker said.

The Falcons signed safety Lance Schulters on Tuesday. He's not expected to be active this week. They are not expected to sign another free agent to take Webster's spot.
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