Falcons expect Jackson to be available after dodging suspension

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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons expect Grady Jackson to be available for Sunday's game at New Orleans after the defensive tackle was not one of the players suspended by the NFL for violating the league's anti-doping policy.

"We're anticipating that Grady will play," coach Mike Smith said after Wednesday's practice. "We're planning for it."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello on Tuesday said league chief counsel Jeff Pash had asked for additional information from Jackson.

Jackson was on a list of players accused of using a diuretic, which can serve as a masking agent for steroids.

The six suspended players were defensive linemen Charles Grant and Will Smith and running back Deuce McAllister of the Saints; defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams of Minnesota; and long snapper Bryan Pittman of Houston.

Some players said the banned substance Bumetanide was not listed as an ingredient in StarCaps, an over-the-counter weight-loss pill.

Jackson filed suit against StarCaps in Alameda County Superior Court in California last month, seeking restitution for any lost salary and damages for "false advertising and unfair business practices."

It is not known what additional information Pash has requested from Jackson, a starter and key run-stopper in the middle of Atlanta's defense.

Jackson was not available in the team's designated availability for interviews Wednesday.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

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