Antone

Smith

Palmer appeared in all 16 games last season, making 10 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. He also chipped in two special teams tackles. Smith was active 12 times, but played primarily on special teams, receiving zero carries.

Eric Weems signed with Chicago after handling all 24 of the Falcons kick returns last season and 40 of a possible 46 in 2010. Smith has never returned a kick at the professional level, but will compete with Harry Douglas, Jacquizz Rodgers, and Dominique Franks for the job.

Despite emerging as a quality fill-in for Brent Grimes down the stretch, Franks will be pushed into the dime role on defense this year. He’s battling Harry Douglas and Jacquizz Rodgers’ brother, James, for punt-returner duties. RB Antone Smith appears to be the early favorite on kickoff returns.

The undefeated are another largely healthy team. There are no surprise inactives from this group. SLB Stephen Nicholas is in the starting lineup.

Smith has been operating as a strict special teamer. The severity of his pull is unknown.

Rodgers played as the two-minute drill back against the Bears while Smith was inactive. Jason Snelling remains the primary backup and third-down back as well as Michael Turner “handcuff.”

He was a restricted free agent. A three-year veteran, Smith has appeared in 34 career games on special teams, but notched only one carry. Even though Atlanta is remaking its running game, Smith won’t be a part of the offense in 2013.

The Falcons’ No. 4 running back appears unlikely to suit up for Sunday’s game against the Redskins.

Smith is a change-of-pace back and special teamer.

So much for it being “imperative” to get Smith more involved in the offense. Fighting with Jason Snelling for scraps behind Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers, Smith got out-touched by Snelling 2-1. There’s no fantasy value here.