Mike

Peterson

Daryl Smith would slide from the weak side to the middle if Peterson can’t go. Jorge Cordova might get the start at the WILL position.

DT Marcus Stroud (ankle) has not been working out and remains in doubt to play in Week 1. Peterson should know by Friday whether he’ll be a go.

It appears Peterson will be ready for Week 1 after taking part in consecutive practices. Daryl Smith will remain on the weak side.

Peterson, 36 in June, ended last season on injured reserve with a torn triceps. His career may be over. The Falcons are known to be looking at “street free agent” Channing Crowder, who has experience starting at all three linebacker positions and could replace Peterson as Atlanta’s utility backup.

The Falcons have not disclosed Peterson’s injury. The 35-year-old veteran served as a strict backup this season, compiling just 24 tackles while playing behind Stephen Nicholas and Sean Weatherspoon. Peterson will be an unrestricted free agent and is unlikely to attract much interest on the open market as an aging two-down run stuffer.

The 35-year-old reserve needs surgery. Limited to just four starts in 15 games this season, Peterson should be healthy by next summer, but could have a hard time cracking a 53-man roster.

One month removed from his 36th birthday, Peterson is a depth signing after ending 2011 on injured reserve with a torn triceps. He appeared in 15 games last season, but started only four, the fewest of his 13-year career. He’ll be a strict backup if he cracks the Falcons’ 53-man roster.

Veteran Mike Peterson took Nicholas’ place in the starting lineup. Nicholas’ status for Week 4 is unknown. He had seven tackles and a forced fumble in the first two games.

Peterson was expected to transition to the weak side when Daryl Smith signed his lucrative extension in the offseason, but it looks like he’ll remain the man in the middle for now. It’ll keep Peterson’s IDP value high.

Peterson broke the hand in “several places” and is out indefinitely. Smith was a disappointing IDP while playing in the middle for Peterson last year. Rookie Justin Durant will fill in at Smith’s spot on the outside.