The Atlanta Falcons faced a 29-25 defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, contending with the absence of several key players and witnessing additional departures during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Already without starters like David Onyemata, Nate Landman, Jeff Okudah, Kaleb McGary, and Drew Dalman, the Falcons also lost Jake Matthews, Chris Lindstrom, and Kentavius Street during the match. The injured players, including Onyemata, Okudah, Dalman, and Lindstrom, are grappling with ankle issues, while Landman, McGary, Matthews, and Street are dealing with knee and pectoral injuries, respectively.
In anticipation of their upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers, the Falcons’ injury list might see a similar length, but there is optimism that some starters could recover in time. Coach Arthur Smith is hopeful about Matthews and Lindstrom’s potential availability, stating they have a “real chance to play this week” in Carolina. Although Lindstrom briefly left the game against the Buccaneers due to an injury, he reassured that he was “fine” after the match.
However, Smith is less certain about the status of Onyemata, Landman, McGary, Dalman, and Okudah, preferring to withhold comments until the week unfolds. Nevertheless, there remains a possibility that they could be ready for Sunday’s game.
Regarding Street’s pectoral injury, the Falcons are seeking a second opinion, with Smith expressing cautious optimism that it might not be as severe as initially thought. Unfortunately, Atlanta is already without defensive starters Grady Jarrett and Troy Andersen for the rest of the season due to ACL and pectoral injuries, respectively. Additionally, special teams player Avery Williams and several others are on injured reserve.
Despite the challenges, the Falcons, currently tied for first place in the NFC South with the Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints, have an opportunity to secure a playoff spot with four weeks remaining in the season.
Looking ahead to the crucial game against the Panthers, both Smith and Lindstrom emphasize its significance, dubbing it “huge.” The Falcons are eager for positive developments on the injury front by the end of the week, with the first injury report scheduled for Wednesday. The matchup between the Falcons (6-7) and Panthers (1-12) is set for 1 p.m. EST on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.
