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**atljbo** · 09-16-2010, 08:07 PM

William Moore may start at safety for Coleman

D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH – Safety William Moore may start Sunday if Erik Coleman's left knee doesn’t respond to treatment before the Falcons' home opener against Arizona at the Georgia Dome.

Coleman, who injured his knee last Sunday against Pittsburgh, didn't practice with the team again Thursday.

"It's an opportunity for both William and [reserve] Shann Schillinger if Erik is not ready to go," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "We hope that Erik is feeling better and has an opportunity to participate."

If Coleman is able to play, whether he starts will likely be a game-time decision.

Moore, the team's second-round draft pick in 2008, missed most of last season because of hamstring and knee injuries. He missed some training time in the offseason with a pectoral and groin injury.

"It's an opportunity and I'm looking forward to it," Moore said. "I hope Erik comes back, because I know that would be good for the team. But if not, I'm willing try to step in and pick up where he left off."

Moore played on special teams last Sunday. It would be his first NFL start, if Coleman is unable to play against the Cardinals.

"It would be a great opportunity for anybody," Moore said. "I'm looking forward to it. If it happens, it happens."

Moore is also hoping that his injuries are behind him.

"All offseason I stayed here and got my body right so that I could come out here and contribute to the team," Moore said. "I'm trying to just show coaches that I can go out there and dominate."

Injury report

Wide receiver Michael Jenkins (shoulder) did not practice.

Right tackle Tyson Clabo (ankle), center Joe Hawley (hip) and cornerback Christopher Owens (knee) were listed on the injury report, but participated fully in practice.

Cornerback Dominique Franks did not practice, but his absence was not injury related, according to the team.

White ready for DRC

The Falcons believe the Cardinals may try to shadow wide receiver Roddy White with their talented third-year cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

"Most of the time he stays on the right," Smith said. "It wouldn't surprise me. At the beginning of the season everybody is trying different things and are going to show different things. Right now, they play right and left but we have to be prepared if he shadows one of our receivers."

White, who had 23 passes thrown his way against Pittsburgh, said he'd welcome the special attention.

"That would be great," White said. "I will be up for the challenge. I will be rested and ready."

Peters's debut

Smith said rookie defensive tackle Corey Peters played 25 snaps against the Steelers. He was on the field in the fourth quarter, too.

He rushed up the middle when the Falcons used a three-man rush late in the game, resulting in a timely sack by Kroy Biermann.

"I tried to keep fighting and crush the pocket," Peters said. "I knew I was probably going to get the three guys in the middle on me. I was just trying to eat up the blockers."

With the return of Jonathan Babineaux from a one-game suspension, Peters' snaps will likely decrease against Arizona.

Run game close

Veteran center Todd McClure said there are a couple keys for the Falcons to get their running game moving. The team rushed for just 58 yards in Pittsburgh.

"Not press," McClure said. "We have to just go out there and play. It's going to take care of itself."

He felt the team was close to busting a few big runs against the Steelers.