FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- A familiar face returned to the practice field for the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday. Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon suited up for his first appearance since a foot injury in Week 2 sent him to the inactive list. Weatherspoon is still not eligible to play in this weekends game against the Seattle Seahawks, though he said he feels good enough to take the field. If all goes well in practice, he could return for the Nov. 17 contest at Tampa Bay. The Falcons were 1-1 on the day Weatherspoon was hurt. They have since slumped to 2-6, going from Super Bowl contenders to a team that probably must win out to have any chance of making the playoffs. "Its been pretty tough," Weatherspoon said. "I love to play football. To take that away makes it a little bit rough. I think the guys have stepped in there and done some promising things. Weve got to build off that and try to get a win this week." Clearly, the Atlanta defence will be more imposing with Weatherspoon in the middle, calling signals and serving as the vocal leader. Actually, said safety William Moore, the entire team will be better. "Thats his role on this team -- to lead this whole football team, not just the defence," Moore said. "To have him back, I cant wait." If not for injury list rules requiring him to sit out at least eight weeks (including a bye), Weatherspoon figures he would be ready to play Sunday against the Seahawks (8-1). Still, he must show the teams training staff -- and the coaches -- that hes fully recovered. Considering the way things have gone this season for the Falcons, theres no need to bring him back before hes 100 per cent. "Ive been able to go out there and do some reaction drills," said Weatherspoon, a first-round pick of the Falcons in 2010. "Basically, Ive been able to go play football without hitting people. I feel pretty confident where we are." The 25-year-old is one of the most outspoken players on the team and a huge influence in the locker room. Defensive co-ordinator Mike Nolan had to tone him down during team meetings while he was injured, because Weatherspoon kept barking out the calls during film sessions. "If Im not going to be out there on the field, it does us no good if Im doing it," he said. Now, he can start yapping again. The Falcons sure missed his voice. "No doubt about it," Moore said. "Thats going to be huge for us. Not only his play, but just his emotion, bringing all that back to the team. We missed that. We had guys who really dont talk a lot trying to step up and take his place." NOTES: DT Corey Peters did not participate in practice because of a knee injury. ... WR Roddy White (ankle, hamstring), DT Peria Jerry (toe), OT Sam Baker (knee) and LB Stephen Nicholas (thigh) were limited. The Falcons again expressed cautious optimism that White will be able to return, but they said the same thing last week before he sat out against Carolina. Custom Nike Philadelphia Phillies Jerseys . "It was awesome," he said. Coming off an ugly three-game sweep at the hands of the Yankees, Toronto found itself in a deep hole early after the Reds put an eight spot up on starter Liam Hendriks (six runs in 1 2/3 innings pitched) and Todd Redmond in the second. Custom Nike Detroit Tigers Jerseys .Y. -- Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire will have less time to remain eligible for the Hall of Fame ballot under changes made Saturday. https://www.customjerseysnikebaseball.co...arlins-jerseys/. They probably ruined Tim Duncans hopes of a career change, though. Duncan wants to be a point guard, coach Gregg Popovich revealed Saturday, a wish that wont be granted. Cyber Monday Custom Nike Baseball Jerseys . Not to be outdone, Atletico Madrid bettered its title rivals by demolishing 10-man Getafe 7-0 with Diego Costa returning from injury to score with a brilliant bicycle kick. "It was an almost perfect night," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. Custom Nike St. Louis Cardinals Jerseys . The team reported the signing on its website Thursday, but said Friday the deal was off in "a mutual parting of the ways that had to do with the language of the contract.CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Panthers used the franchise tag on Greg Hardy on Friday, preventing the outspoken defensive end from hitting the free agent market. Hardy will make $12.45 million next season. The team also re-signed kicker Graham Gano to a four-year contract. Financial terms of that deal were not released. Hardy, known by teammates as "The Kraken," tied a franchise single-season record with 15 sacks in 2013 and was selected second-team All-Pro by The Associated Press. SportsIllustrated.com ranked Hardy as this off-seasons top NFL free agent. Hardy led the Panthers with 38 quarterback pressures and posted a career-high 67 tackles last season. "We are very pleased that Greg will be back with the Panthers next season," Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said in a release. "He was a big reason we were able to lead the league in sacks last year and keeps our defensive line intact." The Panthers have until July 15 to sign Hardy to a long-term contract extension. After that date they cant discuss a contract extension until after the season is over. "The franchise mechanism gives us time to secure the services of a very good player while we continue to look at the future of Greg with the Carolina Panthers," Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said in a release. "We have had great dialogue with both Greg and his agent. It was important to keep our defensive front together." Hardy and Charles Johnson are the only set of teammates to record 10 or more sacks in each of the last two seasons. They have combined for 49.5 sacks during that span, tied for most in the NFL. A former sixth-round draft pick out of Mississippi, Hardy made the league veteran minimum salary last year. Hardy said in January he would have no problem if the Panthers used the franchise tag on him after being selected to his first Pro Bowl. "I would love a franchise (tag), man," Hardy said prior to the playoffs. "Add another year on my career. Get to play foootball a little bit longer without a contract.dddddddddddd. Another year to be in Carolina just to get them a chance to get their fiscal responsibilities in order so we can be here forever, like Steve Smith and a lot of other guys." Hardy becomes the fifth player in Panthers history to receive the franchise tag, joining punter Todd Sauerbrun (2003), tackle Jordan Gross (2008), defensive end Julius Peppers (2009) and centre Ryan Kalil (2011). Gano helps solidify the teams kicking situation. The 26-year-old Gano is coming off a successful season, converting 24 of 27 field goal attempts while helping the team to a 12-4 record and the NFC South title. He set a franchise record and tied for the NFL lead with six made field goals from 50 yards or more. He was the only NFL kicker with three or more attempts from 50 yards or more without a miss from that distance. "Im really excited to be back in Carolina," Gano said. "It is where my family and I wanted to be. I love the organization and feel this is the best place for me." Rivera said: "The special teams unit was a large part of our success last year and we are excited to keep Graham as a part of our team. Graham has shown range and accuracy in his field goal kicking, and his strong leg has been a weapon for us on kickoffs." Of his 82 kickoffs, 76 reached the end zone, including 63 for touchbacks, the highest percentage in the NFL since 1994. A five-year NFL veteran, Gano spent his first three seasons with the Washington Redskins. He has converted 92 of 118 field goal attempts in his career. Gano feels like he has some stability on the team, which has helped his game. "When I was in Washington I went through four holders and that took some getting used to," Gano said. "I finally got comfortable there and made my last 14 of 17 field goals. Ive carried over that consistency to Carolina." Gano said he was celebrating the new deal by taking his son to Chic-fil-A. ' ' '