The Falcons got by — just barely — last week with virtually no contribution from defensive end John Abraham, but they don’t want to test their luck again Sunday against the 49ers in the NFC Championship. Abraham, slowed by a sprained left ankle, is listed as questionable for the game but is expected to start on a Falcons’ defense that doesn’t have much in the way of a pass rush without him.
Abraham, the NFL’s active sack leader, suffered the sprain in Atlanta’s final regular-season game and lasted only 15 plays last week against the Seahawks before taking himself off the field. Abraham didn’t practice this week until yesterday and won’t be 100 percent, but figures to start. How long he lasts and how effective he is remains a question. It’s not as if Abraham comes in as a hot player, as he hasn’t had a sack since Nov. 29 against the Saints.
“You always love to have Abe on the field for every snap,’’ Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon said. “He’s a sack master. That’s what I like to call him. He does a great job here. He’s been doing a great job for us, and we look forward to getting him back this week.’’
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Falcons DT J
onathan Babineaux (shoulder) is also listed as questionable. Safety William Moore (hand), LB Stephen Nicholas (foot) and CB Christopher Owens (hamstring) are probable.
The 49ers are healthy, with all players with any injury issues listed as probable. They waived kicker Billy Cundiff, who was signed three weeks ago after a David Akers slump (he missed four field goal in the last three games) raised concerns.
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49ers coach Jim Harbaugh Friday said he definitely wants Randy Moss back next season. Moss, 35, had a quiet first season (28 catches, 434 yards, three TDs) in San Francisco but his playing time has increased since former Giants receiver Mario Manningham was lost for the season with a torn ACL. “I can, for official publication, I for one definitely want Randy to come back,’’ Harbaugh said. “Hope he feels the same way.”
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* San Francisco police say they’re investigating a sexual assault allegation involving 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree.
Police said in a statement released last night the alleged assault occurred in a city hotel room early Sunday.
The statement says Crabtree has been interviewed with his attorney present and has cooperated with the probe.