The Falcons took a big step toward keeping their sturdy offensive line intact Sunday by re-signing starting left guard Justin Blalock, according to a league source. The team later announced the move and said it had given Blalock a six-year contract.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, in concert with head coach Mike Smith, has unearthed some gems who have paid big dividends this season.

With the outcome of Sunday’s game against the Panthers no longer in question, the Falcons started pulling their regulars early during the fourth quarter.

Rich McKay, Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith came together to assemble a team built in the image of hustle, and the Falcons are living up to it.

The Falcons desperately need someone opposite John Abraham, and I see Kroy Biermann as that guy.

Teams have until Midnight to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. After the deadline, teams hold exclusive negotiating rights with their restricted free agents.

The Falcons will put a first-round tender on guard Harvey Dahl, a league source said Wednesday night.

Falcons QB Matt Ryan is highly unlikely to start Sunday against the Saints, according to a league source.

Falcons QB Matt Ryan‘s status for Sunday’s game against the Saints could be based as much on other players’ injuries as with the turf toe on his right foot.

The Falcons will be without QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner and WR Michael Jenkins against the Eagles on Sunday, NFL Network’s Kara Henderson reports. The Falcons also won’t have offensive linemen Sam Baker and Harvey Dahl.

Browns NT Shaun Rogers, Eagles WR DeSean Jackson and Falcons QB Matt Ryan were among the players who sustained injuries in Week 12.

Falcons starting RG Harvey Dahl suffered what the team termed an ankle/Achilles injury, and his return to Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers is questionable.