by D. Orlando Ledbetter; Staff , The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Falcons have missed Mughelli's lead blocking against the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys.

"I've been trying to get back as soon as possible," Mughelli said. "This week I think I'm going to get a chance to make an impact on the team."

The practice was basically a 45-minute walk-through without pads.

"I haven't hit in a couple weeks," Mughelli said. "[Thursday] will be a big test. I've been hitting the sled with no pads on. I think with pads, I should be fine."

Off-day moves

Coach Mike Smith addressed the team's off-day moves, when they placed safety William Moore on injured reserve and signed running back Aaron Stecker on Tuesday.

"It looks like [Moore's] hamstring is going to take much longer than we anticipated," Smith said. "We signed Aaron Stecker to [help] our running back group."

Moore joins first-round pick Peria Jerry (knee) on injured reserve.

"It's unfortunate because those two guys, we had had expectations for," Smith said. "I feel for those guys personally. I also know that we are missing two good Football players."

Stecker is being counted on to help on special teams immediately.

"He has returned kickoffs, and he's also been a core player," Smith said. "We think we can get him integrated quickly into a role where he can help us."

Blitzes improving

The Falcons have 12 sacks, but four of them have come off blitzes: two from linebacker Stephen Nicholas and one apiece from linebacker Mike Peterson and safety Thomas DeCoud. "I'm pleased with how they have impacted the games, but we still have a lot to do with them," defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder said.

Etc.

Smith said he would have official injury updates on running back Jerious Norwood (right hip flexor) and defensive tackle Thomas Johnson (calf) at the end of today's practice.

Cornerback Glenn Sharpe, who was placed on the practice squad-injured list, suffered a torn MCL in a knee.

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