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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Atlanta Falcons returned to practice Wednesday tied for the lead in the NFC South and all banged up for the final month of the regular season.

Coming off a disheartening loss to Kansas City, the Falcons (7-5) hit the field without star receiver Julio Jones and two other starters who were injured against the Chiefs.

Jones is bothered by turf toe, left tackle Jake Matthews has a knee problem, and receiver Mohamed Sanu is slowed by a sore groin.

Defensive end Adrian Clayborn is out for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams and will likely miss several more weeks with a knee injury.

The Falcons already lost their best defender, cornerback Desmond Trufant, to a season-ending pectoral injury.

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