Goodwin's injury gives Collins a chance to play

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) An injury to Falcons cornerback C.J. Goodwin will give Jalen Collins his first chance to play this season.

Collins failed a test for performance-enhancing drugs and was suspended earlier this year without pay for the first four games. He was inactive the last two weeks, but Goodwin's sore hamstring puts Collins in line to contribute on defense and special teams.

Collins, a second-round draft pick last year from LSU, played in all 16 games last year with two starts.

Injuries have hurt Atlanta's depth on defense. Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and defensive tackle Derrick Shelby are out for the season. Linebacker Paul Worrilow, a former team captain, has missed the last four games with groin surgery and might not be ready Sunday when Atlanta (4-2) hosts San Diego (2-4).

Rookie linebackers De'Vondre Campbell and Deion Jones earned starting jobs in training camp but have struggled with ankle injuries. Starting rookie safety Keanu Neal has played the last four weeks after missing the first two games with minor knee surgery.

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