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

Moore, who was expected to compete for one of the starting safety spots, spent his time away from the team studying the defense and said he was able to see things "from another perspective."

Moore, who played at Missouri, missed the Falcons' game in St. Louis last week against the Rams, which meant a missed opportunity to play in front of family and friends.

"Going back home, a lot of people wanted to see me play," Moore said. "They'll get another chance to."

Coach Mike Smith said the staff is eager for more chances to evaluate Moore.

"We are hoping that he's not going to have any residual effects and will be able to put two practices together," Smith said. "We are excited to see him back out there."

Smith liked what he saw Tuesday.

"I thought he moved around fairly well," Smith said. "We'll just have to see how his knee responds after the workload he had today."

Smith was not ready to pronounce that Moore would play against the Chargers on Saturday at the Georgia Dome, saying it depends on how the knee responds to the physical activity.

Etc.

The Falcons , who have to cut their roster to 75 players by next Tuesday, released linebacker Edmond Miles on Tuesday. The roster is now at 78.

While Moore returned, rookie cornerback Christopher Owens missed practiced with a sore leg. He's expected to return Wednesday.

Defensive back Von Hutchins missed all of last season with a broken foot. While he has returned to practice, he is not fully recovered. "I don't believe he's 100 percent still at this time," Smith said. "We've worked him at safety, and we've worked him at nickel. We've cross-trained him."

Defensive tackle Jason Jefferson has been out of practice for two weeks with a groin and hip flexor injury. "We'll know a lot more about him in the next couple of days," Smith said.

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