Alex Mack, the cornerstone of the Falcons offensive line, is expected to play in Sunday's Super Bowl against the Patriots, according to Peter King.
The center, who was acquired in free agency before the season after spending seven years with the Browns, is continuing to recover from a left fibula injury that has limited him in practice this week.
After the Falcons offensive line struggled last season, Mack's addition has transformed the unit into one of the strongest in the NFL.
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On Thursday, Falcons coach Dan Quinn had said he was "concerned" about Mack's status for Sunday, but that changed after watching tape of Mack after Thursday's practice.
“I felt good after watching Alex last night because I felt good about what he was able to do on the things we’re going to ask him to do in the game,” Quinn said, via the pool report by Peter King of TheMMQB.com. “It’s going to hurt, but a lot of guys are playing through stuff. The important thing is Alex’s mind is clear. He needed to test it and have guys go on him full speed, and he was able to do that Wednesday and Thursday.”
As for other key Falcons injuries, wide receiver Julio Jones (sprained toe) and pass-rusher Dwight Freeney (calf) practiced on a limited basis Friday and are expected to play.