Williams’ injury shakes up Falcons’ secondary

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - The Atlanta Falcons will have a new look in their secondary Sunday at Dallas after losing cornerback Brian Williams to a season-ending knee injury.

Coach Mike Smith said yesterday that Williams tore the anterior cruciate ligament "and some other things" in his right knee in Sunday night's 21-14 win over Chicago. Smith said Williams faces reconstructive knee surgery.

Williams is the second starter on defense to have a season-ending knee injury. Rookie defensive tackle Peria Jerry injured his left knee against Carolina on Sept. 20.

Smith said Williams will be placed on injured reserve. Smith said it would be difficult for the team to find help at cornerback through a trade before today's deadline.

"We'd have to be real quick," Smith said. "We've got some guys we feel are ready to step up into that role, and it will be an opportunity for Tye Hill, Chevis Jackson and Chris Owens to get some more playing time. We'll have a different look with our 45-man roster."

Williams landed awkwardly on his right knee while defending a pass to Bears tight end Greg Olsen in the fourth quarter.

On the following play, the Bears went after Williams' replacement, Jackson, who was beaten by Olsen on a 2-yard touchdown pass.

Cornerback was a major concern before the team added Williams and Hill before the season.

Williams earned a starting job after signing with the Falcons on Sept. 6.

He played three seasons in Jacksonville, including two with Smith as defensive coordinator.

Williams' background with Smith helped him to quickly earn a starting job in Atlanta. The eighth-year veteran started each of the five games and had 15 tackles with an interception, a blocked punt, and a fumble recovery he returned 53 yards.

He started all 16 games for Jacksonville last season.

Smith said he would have no updates before tomorrow on backup running back Jerious Norwood (hip) and backup safety William Moore (hamstring). Neither returned after leaving Sunday night's game with injuries.

Fullback Ovie Mughelli (calf) was held out against the Bears after he was listed as questionable. Norwood's injury left the team thin at running back behind starter Michael Turner.

Sunday's summary, Page C5