Atlanta Falcons Quick Hits: Injury Updates, Record Breaking and Awards

Is it Sunday yet? Doesn't it feel like time moves in slow motion the week leading up to a big game?

Even worse, we have to wait until 4:15 on Sunday for the Atlanta Falcons to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In an effort to help pass the time, here are some quick news bits regarding the Falcons, having to do with injury updates and other player news.

Jason Snelling Listed as Questionable, Has Not Practiced This Week

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Jason Snelling #44 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Cincinnati Bengals at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

There is no word yet on whether or not Snelling practiced on Friday, but I will be sure to update you when the news comes in.

Serving as Michael Turner's backup, Snelling is not going to fill up a stat sheet, but he has shown great ability as a receiver out of the backfield and has a nose for the first down marker.

To say his absence from Sunday's game would be devastating is a bit of a stretch. It would have an impact on the offense, though.

After Being Limited on Wed., John Abraham, Roddy White Full Participants Thurs.

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

John Abraham did not practice at all on Wednesday but has since been upgraded to full participation.

Roddy White, Curtis Lofton, Kroy Biermann, Michael Jenkins, William Moore and Eric Weems were also limited earlier in the week before becoming full participants.

With the Falcons embarking on a three-game road trip, coach Mike Smith has said he has a plan to keep everyone, particularly the veterans, fresh down the stretch.

Abraham did hurt his groin a few weeks ago and sat out against St. Louis, but his and the others' limited practice this week likely is a part of that plan.

Sean Weatherspoon Listed as Starter

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 13: Sean Weatherspoon #56 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on from the sidelines in the final minutes against the Kansas City Chiefs at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

'Spoon started the season as the strong-side linebacker and played well, recording 23 tackles in his first three games.

He first missed time against San Francisco, tried to give it a go against Cleveland and then missed the next four games.

While the man who reportedly talks more than anyone else on the defense is listed as the starter, he's only coming in during nickel situations, as Stephen Nicholas will remain on the field when the defense is in its base package.

Falcons Looking for Turnover Record

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 28: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after watching a replay during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Georgia Dome on November 28, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Falcons have gone four straight games without a turnover. If they can do it once more against Tampa on Sunday, they will become the first team since the AFL-NFL merger to go without a turnover for five games in a row.

Not bad.

Matt Ryan Named Offensive Player of the Month for November

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons runs off the field after their 26-21 win over the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

There never seems to be a shortage of good news when it comes to Matt Ryan.

After becoming just the second quarterback in NFL history to start his career 19-1 at home, Ryan was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Month for November.

Ryan completed 69.3 percent of his passes for 1,001 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions last month, giving him a quarterback rating of 102.3.

Roddy White won the award for October.

Ryan was also recently nominated for a Pulse Award as an emerging player. Go here to cast your vote.