Peria

Jerry

There were conflicting reports throughout 2009-2010, largely because the cryptic Falcons refused to comment on the injury. Jerry was still limping eight months after the surgery, and the 24th pick in the 2009 draft hasn’t been the same since. Coach Mike Smith insists the Falcons remain “committed” to Jerry, who played 30 percent of the snaps last season.

“Right now, Corey is only working on the side and only working in the training room basically in a rehabilitation mode,” coach Mike Smith said. Peters has yet to practice in camp, making him a candidate for the reserve/PUP list. If Peters isn’t ready for Week 1, the Falcons are expected to roll the dice with first-round bust Peria Jerry — who’s supposedly having a strong camp — in his absence.

The 24th overall pick in the 2009 draft, Jerry “tore just about everything” in his knee as a rookie and hasn’t been the same since. It should be noted that there were also positive 2011 training camp reports on Jerry. He went on to go sack-less with 10 tackles in 16 games. Jerry will remain a backup in 2012.

He’s expected to resume practicing before the end of the week. He should be ready to roll against the Saints on Sunday.

Jerry departed just before halftime. A full-time starter for the first time since being the No. 24 pick of the 2009 draft, Jerry has graded out as one of Pro Football Focus’ worst defensive tackles through eight weeks.

Jerry didn’t practice all week. The Falcons are listing him, Asante Samuel (shoulder) and Sean Weatherspoon (ankle) as game-time decisions. Samuel and Weatherspoon returned to practice on a limited basis Friday. If Jerry is ruled out, Corey Peters will replace him in the starting lineup.

We’re starting to get concerned about Jerry. The Falcons have been extremely tight-lipped about the details of the injury, not even acknowledging it as an ACL tear until six months after the incident. It was first reported as a bone-related injury, so it could be more complex than a typical ligament tear. We wouldn’t bet on Jerry recapturing his old form early this season.

It’s just a 4-6 week recovery, but a reminder of Jerry’s checkered injury history, which in addition to his on-field ineffectiveness will limit Jerry’s market appeal. The 24th pick in the 2009 draft, Jerry never came close to meeting expectations with the Falcons, registering 5.5 sacks across five seasons. He’s unlikely to command much guaranteed money in free agency.

The No. 24 overall pick of the 2009 draft, Jerry hangs up his cleats as a bust. He was competing for a reserve role in Falcons camp. Jerry is actually coming off a career year, but his “career year” constituted just 3.5 sacks across 14 starts. Jerry retires the owner of only 5.5 quarterback takedowns across 64 games. He turns 30 next month.

Jerry, the No. 24 overall pick out of Ole Miss in 2009, started 14 games last season and recorded 33 tackles and 3.5 sacks. All were easily career-highs, though they’re nothing to write home about. Jerry will compete for a backup job.