Jul 27, 2023; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; An Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith talks to the media after practice during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Falcons disclose an extensive injury report for the matchup against the Panthers, with McGary and Street officially ruled out.
The Atlanta Falcons (6-7) are set to face the Carolina Panthers (1-12) in a crucial NFC South matchup on Sunday, but they will be without two key contributors, and several more players are uncertain for the game, as announced by Falcons coach Arthur Smith in his Friday press conference.
Right tackle Kaleb McGary, dealing with a knee injury, and defensive tackle Kentavius Street, who has a pectoral injury, have both been ruled out for Sunday’s game. McGary had already missed the previous matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Storm Norton stepping in as his replacement, and Smith commended Norton’s performance during the week.
Street sustained his injury in the game against the Buccaneers, and his return for the remainder of the season remains uncertain. Street, acquired by the Falcons in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles in October, had been making significant contributions with one sack and two tackles for loss in his last two games.
The Falcons have a lengthy list of players listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. On the offensive line, right guard Chris Lindstrom (ankle), left tackle Jake Matthews (knee), and center Drew Dalman (ankle) are in a wait-and-see situation. Defensively, defensive tackle David Onyemata (ankle), linebacker Nate Landman (knee), and outside linebacker Bud Dupree (back) are also questionable. Additionally, defensive tackle LaCale London (knee), who is currently on injured reserve, is questionable.
All six questionable starters underwent limited participation in Friday’s practice. Smith expressed optimism about Lindstrom and Matthews, pointing to Lindstrom finishing last week’s game and Matthews being available if needed. The offensive line faced challenges in the last game, playing the entire second half down three starters but rebounding in the fourth quarter.
Potential replacements include Ryan Neuzil for Dalman, Kyle Hinton for Lindstrom, and Tyler Vrabel for Matthews if needed.
On the defensive side, Andre Smith Jr. performed well as Landman’s replacement in the last game, and he is expected to step in again if Landman is unavailable. If Onyemata cannot play, Ta’Quon Graham, Travis Bell, and Albert Huggins might see increased action on the interior.
Dupree’s absence would result in more snaps for Lorenzo Carter and Arnold Ebiketie, and DeAngelo Malone, a second-year pro, could see his first defensive action of the season.
