FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Atlanta Falcons starting middle linebacker Deion Jones, who injured his right ankle on the play that led to Carolina quarterback Cam Newton sustaining a concussion last week, has been ruled out for the game Sunday at Denver.
Jones, named the NFC's Defensive Rookie of the Month for September, did not practice all week along with fellow inside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell and Paul Worrilow, who were also ruled out by Falcons coach Dan Quinn.
LaRoy Reynolds, a fifth-year player who began his career in Jacksonville, will start in place of Jones. Reynolds has four career starts and had one start in 13 games with the Chicago Bears last season.
"He had a good week of preparation,'' Quinn said of Reynolds. "We've got great confidence in him.''
With Campbell also sidelined and Sean Weatherspoon placed on injured reserve this week with a torn Achilles, Philip Wheeler will start at weak-side linebacker alongside Reynolds. The Falcons also signed veteran A.J. Hawk for depth this week, and Hawk is expected to be active. Hawk is capable of playing either the middle or weak-side position.
Safety Kemal Ishmael might be able to play linebacker in a pinch, having played some linebacker responsibilities in the dime package last season. Outside linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. said nothing has been said to him about the possibility of moving inside based on the need.
Playing without both Jones and Campbell will significantly hurt the Falcons from a coverage standpoint. Both rookies instantly improved the team's speed on defense. Campbell's length and ability to guard tight ends has been missed the last three games while he's been inactive.
Jones is tied for the team lead with 30 tackles, meaning a capable tackler will be out of the lineup on a day the Broncos will certainly try to get their running game going. Denver running back C.J. Anderson is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry, but the Falcons have had their problems with missed tackles and allowing explosive runs.
In other injury news, Quinn said punter Matt Bosher and kicker Matt Bryant are ready to play coming off hamstring injuries. Bosher punted Friday after being sidelined the previous two days.
Quinn also said cornerback Jalen Collins, who was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances, will be moved to the active roster from the exempt list over the weekend. Collins said he expects to play Sunday based on his special teams work and backup role on defense throughout the week of practice.