Injured LB Sean Weatherspoon back at Falcons practice; hopes to play next week at Tampa Bay

FILE - In this Jan. 20, 2013, file photo, Atlanta Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon leaps as he is introduced before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, in Atlanta. Weatherspoon is back on the practice field and is eager to get back on the field for a team that has fallen apart while he's been recuperating from a foot injury. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2013 file photo, Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon watches play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game in Atlanta. Weatherspoon is back on the practice field. He's still got to wait another week before he's eligible to play for the Atlanta Falcons, but he's eager to get back on the field for a team that has fallen apart while he's been recuperating from a foot injury. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) (The Associated Press)

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – A familiar face has returned to the practice field for the Atlanta Falcons.

Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon suited up Wednesday, his first appearance since a foot injury in Week 2 sent him to the inactive list.

Weatherspoon is still not eligible to play in this weekend's game against Seattle, though he says he feels good enough to take the field. If all goes well in practice, he could return for the Nov. 17 contest at Tampa Bay.

The Falcons were 1-1 the day Weatherspoon was hurt. They have since slumped to 2-6, going from Super Bowl contenders to a team that probably must win out to have any chance of making the playoffs.

Weatherspoon says it's been tough to watch. His teammates are eager to get him back on the field.