The Atlanta Falcons will hold out a number of starters in Thursday night’s preseason game against the Patriots, including starting cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson.

The Falcons are showing some significant interest in a pair of standouts from Los Angeles. Atlanta GM Thomas Dimitroff, head coach Mike Smith, defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder and defensive line coach Ray Hamilton will work out UCLA DT Brian Price and USC DE Everson Griffen on Saturday morning.

Falcons QB Matt Ryan, who sustained a right turf toe injury in Week 12, has resumed running and will be healthy enough to join the team in offseason workouts when they begin March 22.

Falcons QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner continue to be held out of practices as they deal with ongoing injuries.

Michael Turner took a positive step in returning from the ankle injury that kept him out of last week’s 34-31 overtime loss to the Giants on Wedneday, returning to the practice field for the first time as the Falcons returned from their off day.

In an anticipated move that could signal Falcons running back Michael Turner will miss Sunday’s game at the Giants with an ankle injury, Atlanta is expected to re-sign tailback Aaron Stecker.

The NFL fined Falcons coach Mike Smith $15,000 for his role in a sideline incident with Redskins players during last Sunday’s game in Atlanta, a league source confirmed. Redskins players LaRon Landry ($7,500) and Albert Haynesworth ($5,000) also were fined for their involvement in the melee.

It looks more and more as if the Falcons will not have starting FB Ovie Mughelli for Sunday night’s home game against the Bears.

I had the chance recently to watch two spirited practices at Atlanta Falcons training camp, chatting with owner Arthur Blank, GM Thomas Dimitroff, coach Mike Smith and a number of players in the process. I left Flowery Branch with a good feel for the 2009 Falcons.

Reggie Bush has been one of the Saints’ most high-profile players during this three year NFL career, according to New Orleans Times-Picayune beat writer Mike Triplett.

Falcons coach Mike Smith has dropped some weight as he readies for the 2009 season.