Rob Dadona Manager Of Coaching Operations | Atlanta Falcons Website
Rob Dadona Manager Of Coaching Operations | Atlanta Falcons Website
The Atlanta Falcons are facing a series of injuries as they head into their bye week following a loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 11. The team had already ruled out eight players before the game, including five starters, and saw five more players leave the field due to injuries during the match.
Head coach Raheem Morris acknowledged the toll of playing 11 consecutive weeks, stating, "Those guys need a little time off." The team hopes to use the bye week to recover and regroup.
In total, 18 players were listed on the injury report leading up to the Broncos game. Those ruled out included cornerbacks Dee Alford (hamstring), Mike Hughes (neck), Antonio Hamilton Sr. (pectoral), inside linebackers JD Bertrand (concussion) and Troy Andersen (knee), tight end Charlie Woerner (concussions), and defensive linemen James Smith-Williams (tibia) and Ta'Quon Graham (pectoral). Both Smith-Williams and Graham have been placed on injured reserve.
To compensate for these losses, center Drew Dalman and outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter were activated. While Dalman did not play against Denver, Carter participated in both defense and special teams. Morris indicated that Dalman would return to his starting role after the bye week.
During the game against Denver, additional injuries were sustained by wide receiver Darnell Mooney (hamstring), defensive lineman Zach Harrison (knee), cornerback Kevin King (concussion), wide receiver Casey Washington (concussion), and linebacker Nate Landman (hamstring). Mooney remained questionable but did not return to play.
Looking at those on injured reserve as of now, eight players remain sidelined: wide receiver Rondale Moore, outside linebacker Bralen Trice, cornerback Harrison Hand, safety DeMarcco Hellams, safety Micah Abernathy, defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro, along with Smith-Williams and Graham. Morris expressed optimism about potential returns for Hellams and Orhorhoro later in the season.
The Falcons aim to come back refreshed when they face the Los Angeles Chargers on December 1st.
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