Vaughn Mcclure of ESPN announced this morning that Falcons tight end Austin Hooper will return to practice this week.
Austin Hooper (MCL) expected to return to practice Monday. Did some running on side last week.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) December 2, 2019
The Pro-Bowler has missed the last three contests with an MCL sprain he suffered in Atlanta’s first matchup with the Saints. Prior to the injury, Hooper led all tight ends in most receiving categories, and even after missing three weeks, he remains sixth in receiving yards, fourth in receptions, and second in touchdowns. Only George Kittle and Travis Kelce are averaging more yards per game than him. In a year where everything as gone wrong for Atlanta, Hooper has been a breakout star and is sure to make a lot of money this offseason when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
The Falcons host the Panthers this weekend at 1:00 ET.