After holding the health advantage over their opponents for most of the season, the Falcons were finally bitten by the injury bug in recent weeks.
First, Grady Jarrett went down with a season-ending injury, and it’s no coincidence that Ryan Nielsen’s defense has faltered since. Then, before the bye week, the Falcons’ defense took a couple of more hits, losing David Onyemata and Dee Alford for Week 10.
Thankfully, the pair is back out at practice as Arthur Smith updated the media, but Mack Hollins, who also missed the Cardinals contest, is not.
Falcons head coach Arthur Smith provides an injury/health update prior to today's practice: DL David Onyemata and DB Dee Alford will be back out there. WR Mack Hollins will NOT be out there, still working his way back.
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) November 20, 2023
Moreover, the Falcons welcome back a critical piece of the offense off the injured reserve — Parker Hesse.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨
TE Parker Hesse has returned to practice for the Falcons.
— Joe Patrick (@japatrick200) November 20, 2023
Obviously, the two big names here are Onyemata and Alford. The former was one of Atlanta’s big free agent signings this offseason and formed one of the most menacing interior duos with Jarrett before injuries struck both. Having Onyemata back against his former team is a tremendous development.
Alford’s presence might be more subtle but nevertheless just as impactful. He’s really come into his own in the nickel role, and though Clark Phillips performed admirably in his first taste of the NFL, he’s not as effective as Alford.
Having Parker Hesse back is even further under the radar than Alford because he doesn’t have the gaudy stats like other pass catchers, but his impact goes much further than the box score. The Falcons offense is supposed to be built off running the football but hasn’t been as efficient in that area compared to last year, and one factor in that is Parker Hesse’s absence.
Hesse hasn’t been flexed to the active roster yet but is available and would provide an immediate boost. His ability to be a sixth offensive lineman is important in this offense and cannot be understated. Having all of these guys back is great news for a Falcons team that desperately needs a win against the Saints.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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