The Atlanta Falcons entered Sunday’s 29-25 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers missing several starters and had a handful of others leave the field prematurely.
In addition to starting defensive tackle David Onyemata, linebacker Nate Landman, cornerback Jeff Okudah, right tackle Kaleb McGary, and center Drew Dalman, the Falcons were without left tackle Jake Matthews, right guard Chris Lindstrom, and defensive tackle Kentavius Street.
Ankle injuries plague Onyemata, Okudah, Dalman, and Lindstrom, while knee injuries plague Landman, McGary, and Matthews. Street had a pectoral injury.
In essence, the Falcons’ lengthy injury report against Tampa Bay could be replicated in Sunday’s road game against the Carolina Panthers… but at least a few starters may be healthy enough to play.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith is upbeat about Matthews and Lindstrom’s status, saying they have a “real chance to play this week” in Carolina.
Lindstrom was rolled up on late in the first half against the Buccaneers and was replaced by Kyle Hinton. Lindstrom stated that he was “fine” following the game.
Smith is less certain about Onyemata, Landman, McGary, Dalman, and Okudah’s prospects, preferring to wait and see how the week plays out. Nonetheless, they could suit up on Sunday.
The Falcons are awaiting a second opinion on Street’s pectoral injury; he appears to be the only player who could miss significant time.
“It may not be as bad as we thought,” Smith speculated.
“We’ll see.” Atlanta already has two defensive starters out for the rest of the season in defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (torn ACL) and linebacker Troy Andersen (pectoral).
The Falcons also lost special teams ace Avery Williams to a torn ACL during training camp, and several other players who have spent time on the roster are currently on injured reserve, including receiver Josh Ali, offensive lineman Matt Hennessy, defensive tackle LaCale London, and outside linebacker Ade Ogundeji.
Atlanta still has a chance to make the playoffs with four weeks left in the season, as it is tied for first place in the NFC South with the Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints.
Following Sunday’s loss, Smith and Lindstrom both called this week’s game against the Panthers “huge” – and the Falcons would certainly like to see positive developments on the injury front by the end of the week.
Atlanta will resume practice on Wednesday, when the first injury report is released.
The Falcons (6-7) and Panthers (1-12) will face off at 1 p.m. EST Sunday inside Bank of America Stadium.
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