<p>Atlanta Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney missed the last half of practice Sunday night after spraining his right knee.</p><p>Coach Jim Mora indicated Kerney, who starts on the left side, injured his medial collateral ligament when an offensive lineman "rolled up on his leg." Trainers wrapped his knee with ice packs before escorting Kerney off the field at Furman University.</p><p>"The doctor checked him inside and said it was nothing serious," Mora said. "It's a sprain. It scared him. That's why he reacted like he did."</p><p>Tackle Rod Coleman was the only starter to play when Atlanta lost 24-0 in its preseason opener Thursday night at Baltimore. The Falcons received some good news Sunday when starting nose tackle Ed Jasper participated in both practice sessions. Jasper had been out nearly two weeks with a bruised knee.</p><p>Brady Smith, the starting right end, returned Sunday night for the first time since bruising a knee Aug. 1, but was limited as the team worked in full pads.</p><p>Kerney, a sixth-year veteran chosen 31st overall in the 1999 NFL draft, ranks No. 8 on the Falcons' career list with 34 sacks. The team gave him an $8.5 million signing bonus on Oct. 11, 2002 as part of a new seven-year contract potentially worth $40 million.</p><p>Kerney has started 66 consecutive games, including two playoff appearances, but he could miss his second straight preseason game when Atlanta hosts the Minnesota Vikings on Friday night. He dressed but didn't play at Baltimore because of a strained groin.</p><p>Mora said outside linebacker Keith Brooking, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, suffered a broken nose in the night practice. Flanker Peerless Price twisted an ankle as he went low to catch a pass over the middle from Michael Vick at the end of the workout. Mora didn't think Brooking or Price was seriously injured.</p><p>Tight end Alge Crumpler has been out since Aug. 5 with a bruised knee, but Mora indicated he is "very close" to returning. Middle linebacker Chris Draft, sidelined since the first full week of camp with recurring asthma problems, could play against the Vikings.</p>
