The Atlanta Falcons will be without several players when they take on the St. Louis Rams this week.
Starting CB Chris Houston is out with a hamstring injury. That's the only starter out this week. Second round draft pick and former MIzzou standout SS William Moore will not play. Moore is not listed as the starter, though it's believed he will be once the season begins. The Falcons will also be without DT Jason Jefferson and LB Edmond Miles.
With CB Domonique Foxworth, the Falcons had an 11.9% DVOA for the pass defense last season, 7th best in the league. Houston became their top corner when Foxworth left, and, much like the Rams, it's a fairly open competition for the spots behind him. Most likely to earn the second and third CB jobs are Brent Grimes and Chevis Jackson, both of whom will start this week.
It's a good matchup for the Rams offense. Grimes was successful defending just 41% of the balls thrown his way last season, working as the third CB. Jackson had a 44% success rate. It's a nice re-introduction to starting again for Kyle Boller and the young Rams receivers.
The Rams will be without QB Marc Bulger; WRs Donnie Avery, Tim Carter and Brooks Foster; LG Jacob Bell; and DT Adam Carriker.
Starting LT Alex Barron and DT Darell Scott will be "Friday decisions" for the Rams.