Falcons WR Jenkins, out since preseason, OK'd to play

Published: Oct 11, 2010 at 12:33 PM

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith said starting wide receiver Michael Jenkins has been medically cleared to play Sunday in Philadelphia.

Jenkins returned to practice three weeks ago, but he missed all of preseason and the first five games after injuring his shoulder during an Aug. 6 team scrimmage.

"I think it's going to allow Matt and the offense to distribute the ball a little bit differently," Smith said Monday. "I think now, when they try to take certain segments of our offense away, we're going to have more options."

Jenkins has 3,007 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in 92 career games and 55 starts. Of his 235 catches, 64 percent have gone for first downs.

The Falcons (4-1) have a four-game winning streak for the first time since 2004. They've dropped three in a row and seven of their last eight to the Eagles (3-2).

Atlanta, which is tied for second in the NFL in rushing, ranks 16th in passing with an average of 221.4 yards per game.

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