Coleman Practices For First Time Since April Surgery

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) _ Rod Coleman, who was told by doctors who repaired his torn right quadriceps in late April that he wouldn't play until October, may be ready for the Atlanta Falcons' season

Wednesday, August 29th 2007, 2:31 pm

By: News On 6

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) _ Rod Coleman, who was told by doctors who repaired his torn right quadriceps in late April that he wouldn't play until October, may be ready for the Atlanta Falcons' season opener.

Coleman, the team's top defensive tackle, said he ``felt good, felt comfortable'' after his first practice on Wednesday.

The 10-year pro who had six sacks and 29 tackles last season won't play in Atlanta's final preseason game Friday night against Baltimore, but he could be ready for the team's first regular season game at Minnesota on Sept. 9.

Coleman participated in individual and one-on-one pass-rush drills.

When asked when he expects to be able to play, Coleman said, ``I don't know, about a week? I hope so. It felt good, but it's all up to (the doctors). When they say go, I'm going to go.''

Falcons coach Bobby Petrino was encouraged.

``He feels good about it, the doctors feel good about it,'' Petrino said. ``It's a little uncharted waters because we've never had anybody come back that fast from that injury.''

Coleman has 44.5 sacks in the last four seasons, the most of any NFL interior defensive lineman in that span, according to the Falcons. He had 10.5 sacks and forced four fumbles in 2005.

``Hopefully by next week he'll be able to work a full day on Thursday and then play against Minnesota,'' Petrino said. ``That's the plan.''

Another starter on defense, free safety Chris Crocker, suffered a bone bruise on his left knee in Monday night's win over Cincinnati. Petrino said tests showed no other injury to the knee.

Return specialist and backup cornerback Allen Rossum suffered a concussion Monday night and is not expected to play against Baltimore.

Linebacker Keith Brooking (calf), defensive end John Abraham (hip) and strong safety Lawyer Milloy (foot) were held out with injuries Wednesday but would be ready if the Falcons had a regular season game on Sunday, according to Petrino.

Because the players have such a quick turnaround between the Monday and Friday games, Petrino said he may hold out all his starters against Baltimore.

``I haven't decided yet but I'm leaning toward no,'' he said, noting the starters played into the third quarter against Cincinnati.