Nate Landman, the Atlanta Falcons’ breakout inside linebacker, did not participate in Wednesday’s practice due to a thigh injury sustained in Sunday’s 24-15 win over the New Orleans Saints. The good news is that Falcons coach Arthur Smith believes the injury is not “significant.” Nonetheless, the Falcons signed Frank Ginda to their practice squad, as first reported by team reporter Terrin Waack.
Ginda, the former USFL Defensive Player of the Year, joined the Falcons in August and has become a familiar face in Flowery Branch. Ginda appeared in two preseason games for the Falcons, recording 12 total tackles before being released.
He now returns to Atlanta primarily as a backup option in case Landman is unable to play against the New York Jets on Sunday. Prior to Landman’s injury, the Falcons already had a thin inside linebacker room after Troy Andersen was placed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury that required season-ending surgery just three games in.
Andersen, a former second-round pick, was expected to play a significant role in his second season, as he was expected to pair with Kaden Elliss as the starting inside backer. However, due to a concussion and then a pectoral injury, that pairing only lasted two games.
With Andersen out, the Falcons turned to Landman, who has outperformed expectations despite being an undrafted free agent in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Landman has 73 tackles, four for a loss, four quarterback hits, two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception in 11 games, nine of which he started. Landman currently has the third-most tackles on the team, trailing only Jessie Bates III and his linebacker partner Elliss.
The Falcons’ other non-participants were running back Cordarrelle Patterson and Calais Campbell, who joined Landman on rest days. Furthermore, receiver Mack Hollins and left tackle Jake Matthews were limited, while cornerback Mike Hughes played fully.
Full Participation –
CB Mike Hughes (hand) Limited Participation – WR Mack Hollins (ankle) – LT Jake Matthews (hip)
Did Not Participate -LB Nate Landman (thigh)
– DL Calais Campbell (rest) – RB Cordarrelle Patterson (rest
) Related: Falcons Rookie Hellams ‘Continues to Make Plays,’ Pushing for Snaps The Falcons will go on the road Sunday to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Jets (4-7). Kickoff inside MetLife Stadium is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
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