The Atlanta Falcons announced that veteran wide receiver Michael Jenkins is out 4-to-6 weeks with a shoulder injury.

"You’re always concerned anytime one of your players goes down with an injury," Falcons head coach Mike Smith said. "One thing I am certain of is Michael will work very hard with our athletic performance staff and training staff to get on the field as soon as possible."

Jenkins (6-4, 217) started 9 of 15 games in 2009, catching 50 passes for 635 yards and a touchdown. It was Jenkins' third consecutive 50-catch season playing in the #2 receiver role opposite perennial Pro Bowler Roddy White.

In 92 career games, the first-round pick (29th overall) in 2004 out of Ohio State has caught 235 passes for 3,007 yards and 18 touchdowns.

With Jenkins sidelined, veteran Brian Finneran, Harry Douglas, and 2010 fifth-round pick Kerry Meier have an opportunity to earn a starting assignment if Jenkins isn't ready to start the regular season.