Falcons coach Mike Smith got half his wish.
According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com, Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez was not on the field Friday for the portion of practice open to the media, though wide receiver Harry Douglas (knee) was there.
Smith said yesterday he was hoping to get both back on the field, for some preparation prior to Sunday’s game with the Buccaneers.
Getting Douglas back is a good sign, and if there’s anyone who can go a week without practicing and still be effective, it’s Gonzalez, though this sets the stage for his being a game-time decision.
UPDATE 12:55 p.m. ET: Smith said after practice that Gonzalez was limited, and would be listed as questionable on the injury report. So he must have done something, away from the prying eyes of reporters.