Falcons' Abraham still in limbo for Sunday playoff

Published Jan. 11, 2013 2:38 p.m. ET

foxsports

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Falcons defensive end John Abraham was limited in practice for a third straight day on Friday, still hindered by an ankle injury from 12 days ago (regular season finale).

Atlanta currently lists Abraham's status as questionable for Sunday’s NFC Divisional playoff clash with Seattle.

Abraham, who led the Falcons in sacks with 10 and ranked third in the NFL in forced fumbles (six), would not answer any questions about the ankle. But he did express excitement for Sunday's game.

“Ready to play just like everybody else, preparing like everybody else, preparing, getting ready to play,” he said.

Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux doesn't believe Abraham’s injury is too serious. Abraham got hurt in the fourth quarter of a 22-17 loss to Tampa Bay in Week 17, a game in which Atlanta had already clinched the NFC’s top seed.

"The arrow was going up for being positive about his injury, he’s been working hard to get back and he’s ready to play on Sunday," Babineaux said.

Abraham returned to practice on Wednesday, though Babineaux said his teammate's presence wasn’t necessary.

"We really didn’t need Abe out there (this week)," Babineaux said. "As a vet that's been in the league for a long time, seen a lot of games, he understands the game plan and I look forward to him being out there on Sunday getting after guys.”

Kroy Biermann, the left defensive end who would likely take Abraham's spot if he cannot play, was relieved to see Abraham back at practice earlier in the week. However, he would not speculate on whether Abraham would be 100 percent at kickoff.

"Yeah, it's always good to have (Abraham) out there," Biermann said. "He's definitely a leader of this team and of this defense. He brings a lot to the table.”

Babineaux was asked if it were important for Abraham to be at his best on Sunday.

"We need everybody to be at their best," Babineaux said. "This is the playoffs. It's either win or go home. So everybody’s got to be at their best and be able to sustain the ebbs and flows throughout the game and overcome adversity and we’ll be all right.”