Injuries could play major factor in Falcons vs. Packers

The Falcons are gearing up for what should be a competitive Week 2 contest against the Packers.

Atlanta is coming off a convincing win over Carolina, beating the Panthers by two scores behind a valiant effort from Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson to go with Jessie Bates III’s three turnovers.

Green Bay dominated their rivals in Chicago, holding Justin Fields and the Bears to 20 points while putting up 38 themselves. Jordan Love looked fantastic in his first start in a post-Aaron Rodgers world.

One thing to pay attention is both club’s injuries. Below is what each team is dealing with early in the week.

Packers injury report

• Anthony Johnson Jr. – S – Questionable (knee)
• Christian Watson – WR – Questionable (hamstring)
• Quay Walker – LB – Questionable (concussion)
• Aaron Jones – RB – Questionable (hamstring)
• Eric Stokes – CB – Out indefinitely (foot)

Falcons injury report

• Jeff Okudah – CB – Questionable (ankle)
• Cordarrelle Patterson – RB – Questionable (thigh)

The big ones for Green Bay are Walker, Jones, and Watson. The former is likely familiar to Falcons fans, who are also Georgia fans. Walker had a pick-six in the season opener last week but could potentially miss Week 2 with a concussion.

Watson missed the Packers’ opener. Green Bay’s offense performed well, but he is critical to their success. He’s a big-bodied pass catcher that is deadly in the red zone. The Falcons’ defensive backs will have their hands full if he straps it up.

However, none are more important than the driving force of Matt LaFluer’s offense. Jones tweaked his hamstring on a touchdown run and is also in jeopardy of missing Sunday’s tilt. He’s by far the most important piece of these injured Packers.

For the Falcons, Patterson and Okudah both missed Atlanta’s season opener. Thankfully, they weren’t missed too badly, but this week is different. The Packers’ offense is much more effecient, and Okudah would be a welcomed sight. Patterson, on the other hand, brings a different dynamic to Arthur Smith’s offense.

All of these injuries should be followed closely.

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Photographer: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire