William

Moore

His return is considered questionable, though already battling a neck injury, Moore’s night is likely through. He’s been replaced by James Sanders.

He was deemed “questionable” to return, but has battled groin and quadriceps injuries all season. Due to health reasons, Moore has been Atlanta’s third safety behind FS Thomas DeCoud and SS James Sanders for most of the year.

James Sanders has been starting at strong safety. Moore was struggling mightily before the injuries, so it’s also possible he’s been benched for performance. “William has been coming back from a quadriceps and groin,” coach Mike Smith said. “We hope that we get him back and ready to go. ... You have to be very careful when you are dealing with two major muscle groups.”

Moore has 32 tackles, four passes defensed, and one forced fumble in eight games this season. Veteran James Sanders will take his place in Week 10.

Sanders racked up 10 tackles in last week’s game at Houston, leaving him with 32 in four starts. Coach Mike Smith concedes that he will have a tough decision to make once Moore fully recovers from groin and quad injuries. The Patriots really could have used Sanders this season, but moved on too quickly in August.

Moore has racked up seven picks and three forced fumbles over the past two seasons despite the injuries, and he may be poised for a breakout campaign in a contract year. “He looks good this offseason,” DBs coach Tim Lewis said. “He’s ready to roll. ... You’ll see him more often that you have in the past.”

If Moore can’t go, Chris Hope would likely get the start. The Falcons are also listing C Todd McClure and FB Lousaka Polite as questionable after putting in limited practice weeks.

This doesn’t bode well for Moore’s Week 15 status. Moore was inactive last week following his huge Week 13 performance against New Orleans when he put up 11 total tackles and two picks. Chris Hope got the start in his place, and will do so again if Moore remains sidelined.

The Falcons have already locked up the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Moore, who has been out since Week 13 with a substantial pull, can continue his rehab until the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Chris Hope, who had seven tackles in last week’s win at Detroit, gets another start.

He may not get that chance if the Falcons slap Moore with the franchise tag. A movable chess piece playmaker in Mike Nolan’s defense, Moore was an integral part of the Falcons’ pass-coverage and run-defense schemes. Moore turns 28 in May. He’s one of the top free agent safeties available, behind Jairus Byrd.