Mike Smith has said that the return of Sean Weatherspoon will be a positive for the Atlanta Falcons.

The linebacker has been on injured reserve designated to return since spraining his foot against the St Louis Rams in the second week of the season.

The head coach told reporters: "Yes, he will start in the ballgame on Sunday, he will be a three down, we aren't going to limit his snaps. Obviously, with him coming back we have to move someone out of the starting lineup.

"Sean has been the leader of our defense, really the last three years. He is the signal-caller and brings a lot of passion and energy to the game. He is a great player.

"He's earned the role as a leader. You don't anoint one, they earn it, and he's earned it. He's done a very good job. He is very vocal, I think that will be positive for us, and he's very energetic."

The Falcons face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tomorrow.