Falcons expect DE John Abraham, CB Dunta Robinson to recover in time for playoffs

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith speaks with Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas (83) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (The Associated Press)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Markus White, right, tackles Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan as he just gets off a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 in Atlanta. The Buccaneers won 22-17. (AP Photo/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Curtis Compton) MARIETTA DAILY OUT; GWINNETT DAILY POST OUT; LOCAL TV OUT; WXIA-TV OUT; WGCL-TV OUT. (The Associated Press)

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Coach Mike Smith expects the Atlanta Falcons to be nearly at full strength for the playoffs.

Smith says early reports on defensive end John Abraham and cornerback Dunta Robinson, both injured against Tampa Bay in the regular season finale, are positive.

Abraham left the loss to the Buccaneers with a left ankle injury, and Robinson departed with a head injury. But Smith expects that both will be ready Jan. 13 when Atlanta hosts either No. 4 seed Washington, No. 5 seed Seattle or sixth-seeded Minnesota.

Despite his players' sloppy performance on Sunday, Smith told them they should be proud of a 13-3 record that tied for best in the NFL, and for earning a No. 1 playoff seed.

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