Falcons pick up key victory over Saints
Deion Jones made a leaping interception in the end zone with 1: 25 remaining and the Falcons held on for a crucial 20- 17 victory over the visiting Saints, setting up a three- way race for the NFC South title.
Matt Ryan ( 15- for- 27, 221 yards, one touchdown) shook off three interceptions to guide the Falcons to Matt Bryant’s 52- yard field goal with 3: 49 to go, snapping a 17- all tie.
The Saints ( 9- 4) were in position to pull out the victory, driving to the Atlanta 11 after Drew Brees ( 26- for- 35, 271 yards, two touchdowns and one INT) converted on fourth- and- one with a quarterback sneak. On second down, Brees attempted to hit tight end Josh Hill in the back of the end zone.
But Jones soared to make the pick.
The Falcons ( 8- 5) climbed within one game of the division- leading Saints with three weeks to go.
Shazier has spinal surgery
Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier underwent spinal stabilization surgery after sustaining a severe back injury against the Bengals on Monday night.
The team offered no additional update on Shazier.
Spinal stabilization surgery is done with the intent to stabilize the spine when there is some evidence of instability there. The procedure involves the insertion of some internal fixation, using hardware, to stabilize a segment of the spine, which presumably gives a person the best opportunity to allow the neurological recovery to continue.
The Steelers signed line- backer Sean Spence, who spent three seasons with the team after being selected in the third round of the 2012 draft, on to provide depth.
Bills QB Taylor limited
Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor had limited mobility in his bruised left knee upon practicing for the first time since being hurt last weekend. Taylor’s status remains uncertain against the Colts.
Wearing a black sleeve on his left leg, Taylor had difficulty moving his injured knee backward and sideways during a stretching drill.
Injury update
The Panthers will have Pro Bowl players Ryan Kalil and Greg Olsen back for Sunday’s key NFC game against the Vikings.
Eagles tight end Zach Ertz has been cleared to practice but remains in the league’s concussion protocol.
The Chiefs put pass rusher Dee Ford on injured reserve with an ailing back and signed defensive tackle Justin Hamilton.