Flowery Branch, Ga. ? The Atlanta Falcons have lost a key backup receiver to a season-ending knee injury for the second straight season.

Coach Mike Smith says the team doesn’t need to look for help.

Rookie Kerry Meier, a fifth-round pick from Kansas University, injured his right knee in Thursday night’s 28-10 preseason loss to the New England Patriots. No details of the injury were immediately available. He was placed on injured reserve.

The injury came one year after Harry Douglas, who had been projected as the No. 3 receiver, missed the 2009 season following a knee injury in training camp. The team reacted to the loss of Douglas by signing veterans Marty Booker and Robert Ferguson.

Douglas returned to play against the Patriots. Starter Michael Jenkins is out with a shoulder injury but could be ready for the start of the regular season.

“Michael is going to be back around the opening of the season so we feel good where we’re at with our guys,” Smith said. “Harry is back, so I don’t anticipate that we need to do anything in terms of our roster.”

Meier (6-3, 220) was drafted to give the team another big target for quarterback Matt Ryan.

“It’s very tough for Kerry and for our football team,” Smith said. “Kerry had a very solid training camp and was on track to be a contributor this year in a number of areas, not only as a wide receiver but as a special teams player. It’s very unfortunate that we lost him for the season.”