Falcons Face Injury Setbacks Ahead of Saints Showdown
The Atlanta Falcons find themselves grappling with a significant injury crisis as they prepare for their Week 12 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. In a series of roster changes, the team has placed defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. and defensive lineman Zach Harrison on injured reserve, leaving a notable void in their defensive lineup.
Injury Details
Bowman Jr., who has been a promising rookie, suffered an Achilles injury during Friday’s walk-through practice. Head coach Raheem Morris acknowledged the severity of the situation, indicating that Bowman’s condition is concerning. This injury will sideline him for at least the next four games, and there are fears that it may extend into the remainder of the season if the prognosis worsens.
Harrison, the Falcons’ leading sacker, is also facing challenges. He experienced a setback related to a knee injury that had already kept him out of several contests. Morris stated that this issue would require intervention to rectify, casting further uncertainty over Harrison’s availability as the season progresses.
Roster Adjustments
In response to these injuries, the Falcons have activated linebacker Divine Deablo to their 53-man roster and signed rookie undrafted free agent Cobee Brynat. Deablo’s return is particularly crucial, as before his injury, the Falcons had ranked among the top defensive units in the league. His absence has coincided with a troubling trend for the Falcons, who have seen opposing offenses score an average of 7.8 more points and gain significantly more passing (97 yards) and rushing (49 yards) yards per game since his injury. This drop in performance has been directly linked to the team’s five consecutive losses.
Brynat made his NFL debut last week, showcasing potential despite limited playing time. He logged just 11 snaps but managed to contribute with a tackle and showed promise in critical defensive situations. Morris noted Brynat’s impact, highlighting a notable stand he made during a third down situation that exemplified his ability to step up when called upon.
Looking Ahead
As the Falcons gear up to face the Saints on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at Casares Superdome, the absence of Bowman Jr. and Harrison looms large. The Falcons need Deablo to make a swift return to form to help stabilize a defense that has faltered in recent weeks. With the stakes high in this divisional clash, Atlanta’s ability to adapt to these injuries will be pivotal in their quest for a much-needed victory.
