Falcons rule out S Thomas DeCoud, expected to start 3 rookies in secondary against Redskins

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons have ruled out safety Thomas DeCoud and running back Antone Smith for Sunday's game against Washington.

DeCoud missed practice all week after leaving last week's game at Green Bay with a concussion. Rookie Zeke Motta is expected to make his first start against the Redskins.

The Falcons are expected to have three rookie starters in their secondary with Motta and cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford.

Smith also was held out Friday with a knee injury.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org