Atlanta Falcons Injury Update

  Due to injuries sustained by key players, the Atlanta Falcons season ended prematurely in 2021, leading them to miss out on a potential Super Bowl run. Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell (hamstring) and safety Erik Harris will miss this matchup, while backup offensive tackle Chuma Edoga remains questionable. Tight end Kyle Pitts (knee) is out for at least four games Atlanta Falcons starting tight end Kyle Pitts suffered a knee injury in Week 11. He was struck low by safety Eddie Jackson and had three catches for 43 yards before suffering an injury that necessitated hospitalization and subsequent rest on injured reserve. Pitts has not played again after this setback and remains out. As it's difficult to assess exactly the severity of his injury, it could potentially keep him out for the season. He was an integral component of Marcus Mariota's offense and his absence will be felt immediately by Parker Hesse and MyCole Pruitt who must now assume more responsibilities without him in their playbook. Pitts was selected fourth overall in the 2021 draft out of Florida, and had an outstanding rookie campaign with Atlanta: 68 receptions on 110 targets for 1,026 yards and two touchdowns. Although his catch totals and yardage have dropped this season due to less playing time from Atlanta due to more of a run-based attack strategy this season. No matter the nature of Pitts' hit, its effect will remain the same: He must complete his season on injured reserve. For Atlanta -- currently sitting at 5-7 and only trailing Tampa Bay by one game for NFC South supremacy -- this setback comes at a great cost. Cordarrelle Patterson has been cleared to play against the New Orleans Saints this Sunday after no longer carrying an injury designation, scoring both Atlanta touchdowns against Los Angeles Chargers last week. If you play fantasy football this weekend he might be worth considering as player props option; additionally they lost DE Deion Jones and LB Keanu Neal to injuries; so this defense-minded team needs to get more ball to their rushing corps and keep Drew Brees off of the field as much as possible in order to come away victorious from this game Guard Elijah Wilkinson (knee) is out for at least four games As they entered Week 13, the Atlanta Falcons offensive line received an upgrade with starting guard Elijah Wilkinson returning from injured reserve to join Sunday's match-up against Arizona Cardinals. Wilkinson had missed five of Atlanta's last six games due to a knee injury sustained during their Week 8 win against Carolina Panthers, where it occurred. Wilkinson is an integral component of their third-ranked rushing attack which averages 149.5 yards per carry; thus his return will provide much-needed energy and excitement to an offense that had struggled without him. However, the rest of the team's injury report was less encouraging: rookie linebacker Arnold Ebiketie was limited at practice this afternoon due to ankle issues; defensive tackle Jalen Dalton (ankle) and offensive guard Chuma Edoga were both also unable to participate. Jovante Moffatt returned to practice following missing Wednesday's session due to a foot injury and could see increased playing time over the final two weeks of this season if he can remain healthy. Wilkinson's absence has opened the door for Matt Hennessy to be selected as his replacement at left guard on Sunday. Hennessy proved reliable during the second half of last season and has maintained this level of play throughout 2016. On Friday he participated fully in practice, suggesting he may face Cardinals on Sunday. At practice on Wednesday, Atlanta Falcons defensive end Micah Abernathy was an active participant. It is likely he will make his first start against Arizona Cardinals next Sunday as his presence has been felt multiple times this season and proven effective when given opportunities. Abernathy will serve as Franks' replacement; particularly notable will be his absence on special teams. Tight end Feleipe Franks (calf) is out for at least four games The Falcons have been hit hard by injuries to both of their offensive and defensive lines. 2021 first-round pick Kyle Pitts and Ta'Quon Graham have been placed on injured reserve; their absence will be significant; however, head coach Arthur Smith did not rule either player out for the rest of the season; both starters will undergo surgeries soon and more information will be known after these procedures have taken place. Atlanta Falcons remain competitive despite injuries hiccuping their playoff hopes, with just two victories needed to earn wild card status and secure wild card berth. Their strong backup roster can step in when needed to help out as Atlanta continues their playoff push. Franks has had a slow start this season and was limited in practice this week, but should return to action against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. An undrafted rookie who can play both tight end and quarterback, Franks primarily serves as backup tight end but has seen time at both positions so far this year. David Mayo remains uncertain after suffering from a hamstring injury throughout the week, however, on Friday he participated fully in practice and appears healthy enough for Saturday's matchup against the Commanders. Arnold Ebiketie, a rookie linebacker, is doubtful with a right arm injury due to a sprain in his throwing arm that has limited him this week. Although expected to play, Ebiketie will be closely monitored. Chuma Edoga has been dealing with a knee injury since being selected in the third round, which has kept him out of action on occasion this season. Although Edoga could potentially see more playing time this Sunday than usual due to the severity of his injury, there should be cause for alarm about its continued presence on Sunday. Atlanta Falcons will need to quickly recover in time for their Week 14 matchup against Pittsburgh Steelers. Deion Jones and Keanu Neal both remain out due to injuries, making a complete roster essential if Atlanta hopes to make a run for playoff contention. Safety Erik Harris (foot) is out for at least four games Once again this season, the Falcons will be without one of their premier safety starters: Erik Harris tore his pectoral muscle while making a run stop against Carolina on Sunday and will miss the rest of this season as a result of this injury. Surgery is scheduled for Monday. Harris joined the Falcons last offseason on a one-year contract and quickly took over as starting safety. This season has been exceptional, leading the team in tackles and pass defense while playing almost every defensive snap. Harris has also been an exceptional big play threat who can cover distance effectively. Harris has had an incredible journey from humble origins to becoming a standout safety in the NFL. After being both a football and track star at New Oxford High School and California University of Pennsylvania (NDII Cal U Penn), he excelled as an NCAA Division II Cal U Pennsylvania Cal player during PSAC play but went undrafted and signed with Saints where his season was cut short with an ACL injury after just four games; spending subsequent seasons with CFL Hamilton Tiger-Cats before signing with Raiders in 2013. The Falcons need Harris back quickly as their safety depth is severely depleted with Richie Grant and Jaylinn Hawkins both out due to injuries. It will be interesting to see how Dean Pees handles this situation and whether Harris can return for another few weeks before being forced out due to age and retirement. Losing Harris is a blow for the defense, but it could ultimately be beneficial in terms of his long-term career. By giving young cornerback A.J. Terrell and 2021 fourth-round draft pick Rashard Higgins more opportunities to develop as Harris's replacements; plus it gives Harris himself an opportunity to show that he still competes at top levels and earn himself a new contract from Atlanta; something which should happen sooner rather than later.