Coleman, who was injured against San Diego, is a key cog in the defensive unit and played a starring role shutting down New Orleans' passing attack for most of the game in the Falcons' 34-20 victory Nov. 9.

The Saints attempted to throw a bomb to Devery Henderson on the first play of the game, but Coleman intercepted the pass.

If Coleman is not able to play Sunday against the Saints, rookie Thomas DeCoud, who has played primarily on special teams, would start.

DeCoud, a rookie and third-round pick from California, received Coleman's reps with the No. 1 unit Wednesday and Thursday, the heavy practice days in the NFL.

"Thomas had done a nice job on special teams," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "He has showed his athleticism on the cover teams, for sure. He's getting an opportunity to get a lot of snaps these last two days because of Erik not being able to practice."

The Saints have the NFL's top-ranked offense, amassing 405.3 yards per game.

"He has a good understanding of what we want to do on the back end [of the defense]," Smith said. "He just lacks experience."

DeCoud feels he's up to the challenge if he has to face Saints quarterback Drew Brees and their vaunted passing attack.

"I'm making calls out there," DeCoud said. "I'm feeling good about the game plan. I'm going to be ready if I'm needed on Sunday."

Baker still rusty

Falcons rookie left tackle Sam Baker has made it through two practices with no flareups after returning from lower back surgery Oct. 28. Baker is not sure if he'll be cleared to play Sunday.

"It was real good to be out there with the guys again and just get back in the motions, mentally and physically," Baker said. "Everything feels good. I'm just doing what the doctors are telling me."

Baker started five games this season but has been inactive for the past six. He also was inactive earlier in the season for the first Carolina game with a concussion.

"It was very, very tough sitting out," Baker said. "More mentally than anything, it was tough."

It was an unexciting layoff for Baker.

"I was just laying in bed trying to get better," he said. "I pretty much just slept all day."

Veteran Todd Weiner has replaced Baker in the starting lineup and played well. Weiner is coming off major reconstructive knee surgery and doesn't practice on Wednesdays to keep it rested.

Home cooking

Teams in the NFC South are 22-2 at home this season. Carolina (6-0), Tampa Bay (6-0), New Orleans (5-1) and Atlanta (5-1) have been near invincible at home.

New Orleans' only home loss was to Minnesota (30-7) on Oct. 6. Atlanta's home loss was to Denver (24-20) on Nov. 16.

"Tampa was a tough place to play," rookie quarterback Matt Ryan said. "Carolina plays well at home. I haven't been to New Orleans, but from what everybody says, they have a great home-field advantage."

The Falcons have not won in the Superdome since a 37-35 victory in 2002. The Falcons beat the Saints in a "home" game in 2005 that was played at the Alamodome in San Antonio because the Superdome was damaged by Hurricane Katrina.