"Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is closing in on another major receiving milestone.

He needs four receptions when the Falcons face the Detroit Lions at 1 p.m. Sunday at Ford Field to move into second place all-time on the NFL's receptions list.

Gonzalez currently ranks fourth with 1,099 catches. He could pass Cris Carter (1,101) and Marvin Harrison (1,102).

"Yeah, it's a big deal," Gonzalez told the Associated Press on Thursday. "Obviously, during the game, whenever that time comes, I'll know when I catch that fourth one. I hold my own clock inside, but it's one of those things, in the heat of the battle, you can't worry about that. I'll probably relish on it after the game."

At age 35, he likely doesn't have enough time remaining in the league to catch Jerry Rice (1,549).

"Without a doubt, with no disrespect to any of the other tight ends, including Ozzie Newsome, who I know very well, I think he's probably the best tight end to ever play the game," Falcons coach Mike Smith said Wednesday. "His work ethic is just unbelievable. It will be quite an individual honor for Tony to become the second-leading guy."

Gonzalez, an 11-time Pro Bowler, originally was drafted in the first round (13th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1997. He was traded to the Falcons for a second-round pick on April 23, 2009.

Gonzalez quickly integrated into the offense and caught 83 passes in 2009 and 70 last season. He has 30 catches and a team-leading four touchdowns this season. He has caught at least 70 passes in 11 of the past 12 seasons."