"It's going to be tough to replace Ben," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "Ben has done a very nice job in blocking. He's a very integral part of our running game."

Hartsock suffered the injury in the Falcons' 45-28 victory over Carolina on Sunday. He had three catches for 16 yards this season. Jason Rader was signed to take Hartsock's spot on the roster.

"We are very fortunate to be able to add Jason Rader back, since he's very familiar with our system," Smith said.

Rader, who played at Georgia and Marshall, was signed by the Falcons as a free agent in March, but was released after training camp. He was signed again in September and started against Philadelphia on Oct. 26. He was released a second time four days later to make room for offensive tackle Wayne Gandy.

Douglas honored for punt returns

Wide receiver and punt returner Harry Douglas was named the NFC special-teams player of the week by NFL on Wednesday.

"It means a lot," Douglas said. "It all goes back to doing all of the little things. I thank my teammates more than anybody, because without them I wouldn't be in the position that I'm in."

Douglas, a rookie who played at Jonesboro High and at Louisville, returned a punt 61 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Panthers.

Douglas finished the game with three punt returns for 93 yards (31 yard per return). He also had a rushing touchdown and caught four passes for 92 yards as he finished 188 all-purpose yards.

Douglas is the third Falcons player this season to earn conference accolades.

Running back Michael Turner was named NFC offensive player of the week following performances against Detroit and Kansas City.

Quarterback Matt Ryan was named NFC rookie of the month for October and NFC offensive player of the week following the win over Oakland.

Abraham suffered head injury Sunday

Defensive end John Abraham said he suffered a head injury against the Panthers that was unrelated to his lingering problems from his shoulder-stinger injury.

"I could have [returned], but Harry pretty much canceled that with the punt return for a touchdown," Abraham said. "[Defensive line coach Ray Hamilton] wanted me in there, but it was the smart thing to do. I had a little head injury, and I didn't want to go in there and get knocked out again."

Abraham said he's fit for Sunday. "I actually play a sport where you've got to get hit," said Abraham, who has 12 sacks. "It's something that you've got to work through. It's fine."