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Rod Coleman, who was told by doctors who repaired his torn right quadriceps in late April that he wouldn't play until October, may be ready for the Atlanta Falcons' season opener.

Coleman, the team's top defensive tackle, said he "felt good, felt comfortable" after his first practice on Wednesday.

The 10-year pro who had six sacks and 29 tackles last season won't play in Atlanta's final preseason game Friday night against Baltimore, but he could be ready for the team's first regular season game at Minnesota on Sept. 9.

Coleman participated in individual and one-on-one pass-rush drills.

When asked when he expects to be able to play, Coleman said, "I don't know, about a week? I hope so. It felt good, but it's all up to (the doctors). When they say go, I'm going to go."

Falcons coach Bobby Petrino was encouraged.

"He feels good about it, the doctors feel good about it," Petrino said. "It's a little uncharted waters because we've never had anybody come back that fast from that injury."

Coleman has 44.5 sacks in the last four seasons, the most of any NFL interior defensive lineman in that span, according to the Falcons. He had 10.5 sacks and forced four fumbles in 2005.

"Hopefully by next week he'll be able to work a full day on Thursday and then play against Minnesota," Petrino said. "That's the plan."