Injuries could play a major factor in the Falcons’ upcoming contest against the Packers.
For Green Bay, the Cheeseheads could be missing a pair of critical pieces. Quay Walker had a pick six in Week 1 but is dealing with a concussion. However, the big story is Aaron Jones, who put up a monster performance against the Bears but is dealing with a hamstring injury.
The Falcons, on the other hand, are trending in the right direction. Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh) and Jeff Okudah (ankle) missed Atlanta’s season opener but both returned to practice on Wednesday, according to the team’s reporter Tori McElhaney.
However, there’s a new name on the Falcons’ injury report — Troy Andersen. Arthur Smith told the media that he came in earlier in the week and wasn’t feeling “quite right,” which prompted Atlanta to put him in concussion protocol.
It seems like the Falcons are expecting Okudah and Patterson back for Week 2. The former will be an upgrade over Tre Flowers and is necessary for a better Packers offense than the Panthers. Patterson adds a dynamic to the offense that cannot be understated; both are critical to the Falcons’ goals.
Troy Andersen might be a bigger loss than either, though. The former second-round pick looked great in Week 1, notching a sack along with 10 total tackles, one of which was for loss. He’s an electric athlete, but what makes his absence an issue is the depth.
One of Tae Davis or Nate Landman will get the call if Andersen is unable to go; neither of which are inspiring options. The Falcons added a ton of talent this offseason, but depth is a problem at a few positions — off-ball linebacker just so happens to be one of them.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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