The tale of Peria Jerry’s NFL career has been a tumultuous one to this point. Held out his rookie season with a knee injury that took years to heal, even Jerry has mentioned that he’s turned a corner in 2012, feeling as healthy as he ever has.

On Saturday, head coach Mike Smith echoed that same point after Jerry performed well starting at defensive tackle during the first two preseason games for the Falcons.

“I think Peria has done a nice job for us in the two preseason games and through the entire season,” Smith said. “He came back in really good shape, did a real nice job in the offseason program, came back in really good shape and I think you really see his suddenness and play-making ability in the two preseason games.

“I think he’s in the shape that he’s been in. He’s really worked extremely hard.”