NFL Network's Jeff Darlington reports Falcons LCB Asante Samuel (thigh) is expected to play Sunday against the Saints, though that's "not certain." Samuel was limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable. If unable to play, the Falcons would be left with rookies Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant teamed up with slot corner Robert McClain. This is shaping up as a matchup to exploit for Drew Brees and all of the Saints' pass catchers.

Falcons LCB Asante Samuel's 2013 base salary has increased from $3 million to $3.2 million after triggering an escalator in his contract. Samuel has money available in his contract based on interceptions and Pro Bowl selections. The 32-year-old picked off five passes in his first season in Atlanta after coming over via trade from the Eagles. Samuel, Dunta Robinson, and Robert McClain form a solid trio of corners for the Falcons to build around.

Falcons LCB Asante Samuel (shoulder, probable) returned to a full practice Friday. Samuel has essentially missed Atlanta's last two games, but he'll be in the starting lineup against the Giants. The Falcons, however, may be without SS William Moore, who didn't practice all week and is listed as questionable.

Falcons CB Asante Samuel (shoulder) was a non-participant in practice this week and is officially questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers. Samuel lasted just three snaps and was unable to lift his arm over his head after leaving last week's game. The Falcons are expected to be "very cautious" in determining his status. William Moore (hip) is also questionable after missing practice this week and is a game-time decision.

Coach Mike Smith will be "very cautious" with LCB Asante Samuel in evaluating his status for Sunday's game at Carolina. Samuel was unable to lift his arm over his head after leaving last week's game. "Most certainly," Smith said. "He was only able to play three plays, so we are going to definitely be very cautious and make sure he's ready to go." Samuel's absence would be good news for Steve Smith's Week 14 fantasy value.

Coach Mike Smith is "hopeful" that LCB Asante Samuel (shoulder) will play versus the Panthers in Week 14. Samuel spent Tuesday's practice in the training room getting treatment after lasting just three plays versus the Saints in Week 13. "We've got nine days in between games now," said Smith. "So hopefully he'll be feeling better as we get in our normal practice week on Wednesday."

Falcons LCB Asante Samuel exited on the opening defensive series of Thursday night's game against the Saints with an aggravation to his shoulder injury. Samuel has been battling the shoulder injury for the past couple of weeks and was listed as a game-time decision coming in after not practicing during the week. Samuel left after a 38-yard completion to Joseph Morgan and was seen dangling his right arm on the sideline. He is questionable to return, but it would be smart to let him have the 10 days to heal for Week 14. Chris Owens entered at left corner.

Falcons LCB Asante Samuel (shoulder) is active for Thursday night's Week 13 game against the Saints. Samuel has been battling the shoulder injury for the past couple of weeks and didn't partake in any practices this week. He isn't asked to make many tackles, so a completely healthy shoulder isn't a necessity. Atlanta declared DT Peria Jerry (quadriceps), WR Tim Toone, S Charles Mitchell, QB Dominique Davis, OGs Phillipkeith Manley and Harland Gunn, and DE Lawrence Sidbury inactive.

Falcons LCB Asante Samuel (shoulder) is expected to be game-time call for Thursday's matchup with the Saints. Samuel was able to play through the shoulder in Week 11, but appeared to aggravate it on the final play of the game. The short week certainly won't help matters. Of course, Samuel rarely tackles anyone during the course of a football game, so he doesn't need his shoulder to be 100 percent anyway. Expect a "questionable" tag when the Falcons release their official injury report later Wednesday.

Although the Falcons didn't practice on Monday, head coach Mike Smith said LCB Asante Samuel (shoulder) wouldn't have participated. Samuel suffered the injury in Week 11 and put in one limited practice last week before suiting up for yesterday's game against the Bucs. He left in the fourth quarter and later returned to re-injure the shoulder again on the game-ending Hail Mary attempt. Atlanta and New Orleans play on Thursday Night Football this week.