ATLANTA -- Atlanta Falcons pass-rusher Vic Beasley Jr. said he's not concerned about the left-shoulder injury that briefly knocked him out of Sunday's 38-32 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Beasley was injured at the 11:22 mark of the first quarter. He received treatment on the sideline before exiting to the locker room.
"I was coming around and I ran into the guard, and my shoulder just kind of popped out of place," Beasley said. "I thought it was a labrum, but we'll find out later."
Beasley said he'll undergo an MRI on Monday but didn't express too much concern. He played through a torn labrum in his right shoulder his entire rookie season a year ago.
"I've played through pain before," Beasley said. "Yes, I will play through it [again]."
Beasley actually sacked Drew Brees upon returning to the game in the second quarter. It brought his league-leading total to 15.5, one sack short of tying John Abraham's franchise record.
Beasley was asked about coming back into the game despite the injury.
"Just trying to lay it out there for my team," he said. "We were still going to be in the playoffs, win or lose, but I know the team needed me. So I had to fight through the pain."
Falcons coach Dan Quinn talked about the toughness Beasley showed.
"Well, I know when he went inside and then when he came back out, and I said to him, 'Hey man, we appreciate your toughness and you being ready to go battle again,'" Quinn said. "I asked him if he needed me to hit his shoulder and said 'no, no, no.' We just joked about it, but honestly, that shows how hard he wants to play for his guys."
The Falcons had a number of players get banged up, including rookie strong safety Keanu Neal getting evaluated for a head injury. Neal returned to the game and said he was just dizzy but felt fine.
Cornerback Robert Alford suffered a knee injury that is not believed to be serious, while fellow cornerback Jalen Collins dealt with cramps. Nickelback Brian Poole said he was fine despite having ice on his leg.
































