Last year’s NFL sack-leader has gotten off to a fantastic start to his 2017 season, recording a sack in the season opener and then coming up with arguably the biggest play of last night’s game, a sack fumble that resulted in a Falcons touchdown to open up the third quarter. Not too long after though, Beasley appeared to be in serious pain after multiple lineman fell on his legs. He was helped off the field and never returned, but given the state of the game, there was no need for him to.
The Falcons did not appear to be too concerned after the game and reported that Beasley would go undergo tests on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. The results came back, and the Falcons will be without Beasley for “about a month” according to NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport.
The blow is a huge one as Beasley is an integral part to a defense that needs to create pressure off the edge to be effective. Beasley is undoubtedly the Falcons best player at getting after the quarterback, and losing him is going to force other guys, specifically rookie pass-rusher Takkarist McKinley to step up going forward.
If there is any bright side to this news it is that this does not appear to be long-term. Beasley should be able to return to punishing quarterbacks in plenty of time before the Falcons really begin their quest to avenge their Super Bowl defeat. Although, hamstrings can be a lingering issue, and Atlanta will not be in any rush to hurry their pro-bowl linebacker back into action.
Update: Vic Beasley Jr. has been diagnosed with a hamstring tear and will miss at least a month.Â