It looks like the Atlanta Falcons will not tight end Tony Gonzalez this Sunday when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the future hall of famer was unable to practice today, marking his third-straight missed session:
#Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez & DE Malliciah Goodman not present during open portion of practice.
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) November 15, 2013
Coach Smith: I would never count Tony Gonzalez out. Never. #ATLvsTB #RiseUp
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 14, 2013
Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith told 790 the Zone that Gonzalez and wide receiver Harry Douglas would return to practice Friday coming off injuries. Douglas was able to go, so he should be ready to start Sunday. He has 47 catches for 505 yards and four touchdowns in nine games this season.
Gonzalez has missed only two games in his 17-year career, but suffered a serious left toe injury against the Seattle Seahawks this past Sunday. Gonzalez hasn’t missed a game since the 2006 season. If Gonzalez can’t play, Levine Toilolo is likely to see an increase in playing time with the first team.