The 7-5 Atlanta Falcons will likely have one key defensive piece back this week, as cornerback Desmond Trufant has finally been cleared from concussion protocol, according to Falcons head coach Dan Quinn (Kelsey Conway of Atlanta’s official website).

This is good news for the Falcons, who get Trufant back just in time to help them combat the Drew Brees-led air attack of the New Orleans Saints this Thursday at home. Atlanta is seventh in the NFL against the pass with just 207.8 passing yards allowed per game.

Trufant sustained a concussion back in Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after Falcons safety Keanu Neal accidentally hit him, forcing the 27-year-old corner to miss last Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, which resulted in a 14-9 loss. The loss stopped the Falcons three-game win streak.

Atlanta now aims to rebound from that setback, as it tries to catch the 9-3 Saints atop the NFC South standings or at least strengthen the Falcons’ bid for a Wild Card ticket in the NFC playoffs.

Considered as one of the best cornerbacks in the game today – he’s graded as “high quality” by Pro Football Focus – Trufant leads the Falcons with two interceptions, in addition to 10 passes defended and two recovered fumbles.