Babineaux is in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers after missing Thursday's practice due to a non-injury-related issue.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Babineaux will be ready for Week 1 as he returned for Friday's practice after his brief absence. The veteran will start at defensive tackle alongside Grady Jarrett.

Babineaux (non-injury related) returned to practice Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Babineaux did not practice Thursday for unknown reasons, but he is not dealing with any sort of physical impairment. The Falcons' longest-tenured player should be full-tilt and ready to go come Sunday.

Babineaux tallied two tackles in the season finale against the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

Babineaux put together another decent year, finishing with 30 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception in 2015. He has one year left on his contract, so expect to see the big man back in the trenches for the Falcons in 2016.

Babineaux recorded 31 tackles and two sacks in 15 games with the Falcons in 2014. Babineaux signed a three-year extension with the Falcons in March, so he'll be back with the team in 2015. Although Atlanta still ranked in the bottom half of the league in run defense, they had a noticeable improvement from 2013 when they ranked second to last in the league. This year they ranked 21st, due in large part to Babineaux's big presence in the middle of the defensive line.

Falcons re-signed DT Jonathan Babineaux to a three-year contract. Babineaux, 32, has spent his entire nine-year career in Atlanta since being a second-round pick in 2005. After re-signing DT Corey Peters last week, the Falcons are returning their starting defensive tackle duo. They need to continue to seek upgrades at the position and have been linked to free agent DTs Paul Soliai and Randy Starks. Babineaux is just a run stuffer at this stage of his career.

The Falcons are reportedly closing in on a three-year deal to re-sign free agent DT Jonathan Babineaux. At age 32, Babineaux shouldn't be expensive. He's coming off a 42-tackle, one-sack season as a run plugger up the gut.

The Falcons are in "active talks" with free agent DT Jonathan Babineaux. The Falcons are looking to bring back their starting defensive line after signing Cory Peters earlier this week. Babineaux, 32, could command a two- or three-year contract. Free agent reserve DT Peria Jerry is not expected to be retained.

Free agent DT Jonathan Babineaux said he wants to re-sign with the Falcons. Babineaux has been with Atlanta throughout his nine-year career. He's not a pass rusher, but remains an asset against the run and has piled up 15 tackles for a loss over the last two seasons. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution suggests a "modest" two- or three-year contract.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff says the team would like to re-sign impending free agent DT Jonathan Babineaux. "He's becoming a little bit ageless," quipped Dimitroff. "It would be nice to have him back." Although Babineaux managed one sack among 16 starts in 2013, he graded out as one of Atlanta's top run stuffers per Pro Football Focus, and has spent his entire career as a Falcon. At age 32, his price should be reasonable.

There has been no progress on a new contract for impending free agent DT Jonathan Babineaux yet.