Jake Matthews expects to play Week 3 for Atlanta Falcons

As the Atlanta Falcons prepare for a Thursday night game against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they should have some good news in advance of their game. First-round tackle Jake Matthews expects that he’ll be ready to suit up after missing the team’s Week 2 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

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I’m expecting to play,” Matthews said per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I know that I personally think I’ll be ready to play. But we’ll see how the week of practice goes and we’ll see what coach (Smith) has to say.”

The Falcons were rumored to have kept Matthews out of Week 2 partially as a precautionary and partially because the team had such a quick turnaround for Week 3. Figuring Matthews would miss one or another, the team presumably kept Matthews fresh for their division match against the Bucs.

Of course, Matthews’ playing status will ultimately be determined based on how he practices. If early reports are any indication, it appears he’ll be fine.

“It went well,” Matthews said of Monday’s practice. “It was nice to go out there and do some stuff with the guys. It’s something that is going to take time and a lot more healing, but I was excited to get out there. It’s getting better every day. I’m a little excited for this week.”

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