Some interesting news from Atlanta coach Mike Smith on Monday afternoon. He said that wide receiver Michael Jenkins will make his season debut Sunday in Philadelphia.

Jenkins suffered a shoulder injury in the preseason and the initial word was that he would be ready for the start of the season. But Jenkins missed the first five games.

“He has been medically cleared,’’ Smith said. “He had been cleared only to practice over the last three weeks. Michael Jenkins has gotten the final clearance from the medical staff and will be participating in the ballgame this weekend.’’

Smith sounded like he plans to insert Jenkins right back into his spot as the No. 2 starting receiver opposite Roddy White. Harry Douglas had been starting, with Brian Finneran and Eric Weems also getting play time. But the Falcons ideally want to use Douglas as the slot receiver. Although Jenkins never has put up prolific numbers, he’s viewed as a dependable possession receiver and also is considered one of the league’s top receivers when it comes to run blocking.

“I think it is going to allow Matt (Ryan) and our offense to distribute the ball a little bit differently. I think now when they try to take certain segments of our offense away, we’re going to have more options. Michael has been champing at the bit over the last three weeks.’’