Injury Troubles for Atlanta Falcons Ahead of Saints Showdown
The Atlanta Falcons are gearing up for their penultimate practice of the season as they prepare for a critical Week 18 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. With just days remaining until the home finale, the team released an updated injury report that has raised concerns among fans and coaching staff alike.
Mooney Joins Injury Report
A notable development on the injury front is the addition of wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who has been listed as a limited participant due to a knee issue. The specifics of when he sustained the injury remain unclear, but this season has already seen Mooney frequently appearing on the injury report. In Week 17, he recorded two receptions for 35 yards, yet he will be looking to replicate his standout performance from Week 12 against the Saints, where he notched three catches for 74 yards and scored his only touchdown of the season.
Defensive Setbacks
The latest report mirrors much of what was seen in Wednesday’s simulated version, but head coach Raheem Morris has shed light on a few key injuries. Defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus and cornerback Mike Hughes will both miss the upcoming contest, bringing their seasons to a close.
Hughes, who was placed on injured reserve, has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during the Week 15 clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He remains under contract for two additional seasons, but his absence will be felt as the Falcons head into their final game. Dorlus’s situation appears more optimistic, as Morris indicated that the team “dodged a big-time bullet.” While he will miss Week 18, the prognosis suggests that the injury is less severe than initially feared.
Roster Adjustments
In response to these injuries, the Falcons have made some roster moves, signing Khalid Kareem to the active roster and punter Trenton Gill to the practice squad. Additionally, cornerback Clark Phillips III, who was recently designated to return from injured reserve, also did not participate in practice. Unfortunately for Phillips, barring a significant turnaround, it seems unlikely he will make his second appearance for the Falcons this season after missing two consecutive practices.
Limited Participation and DNP Updates
Several players were listed as limited participants alongside Mooney, including wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., safety DeMarcco Hellams, and defensive lineman Sam Roberts. Both London and Pitts have had a turbulent season with injuries but are expected to be available for the game.
As the Falcons look ahead to Sunday’s showdown against the Saints, kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The team will hope to manage its injury woes and put forth a strong performance in front of their home crowd.
Injury Report Summary
Full Participation
N/A
Limited Participation
WR Darnell Mooney (knee)
WR Drake London (knee)
TE Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee)
S DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring)
DL Sam Roberts (knee/ankle)
Did Not Participate
CB Mike Hughes (ankle)
CB Clark Phillips III (triceps/illness)
DL Brandon Dorlus (hamstring)
