Falcons face uncertainty as A.J. Terrell’s hamstring injury sidelines star cornerback
The Atlanta Falcons are grappling with the potential absence of their star cornerback, A.J. Terrell Jr., following a hamstring injury sustained during Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. The team’s head coach, Raheem Morris, provided an update on Terrell’s condition, revealing that the cornerback will not practice this week as they continue to assess his health.
Injury Update from the Head Coach
Terrell left the game early and did not return, raising immediate concerns for fans and the franchise alike. On Monday, Morris refrained from offering specifics regarding Terrell’s injury. However, during a press briefing on Wednesday, he noted, “I consider him week-to-week, not day-to-day. We’ll see how it goes. Obviously, those hamstrings are tricky.” This cautious approach highlights the often unpredictable nature of hamstring injuries, which can linger and significantly impact a player’s availability.
Depth Chart Adjustments
In light of Terrell’s potential absence, the Falcons are preparing for the possibility that they may need to fill the void. The team officially signed a former training camp contributor to their practice squad and also conducted workouts with several players, including B.J. Mayes, Ethan Robinson, Eli Ricks, and Ameer Speed.
Eli Ricks, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, brings experience with 21 tackles and three passes defended over 23 games. Ameer Speed, who played for both the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts, has experience in the league but has not seen action this season. Meanwhile, both Robinson and Mayes are still seeking their first appearances in a regular-season NFL game.
Terrell’s Impact on the Team
At 26 years old, Terrell signed a four-year, $81 million contract extension last offseason and has been a cornerstone of the Falcons’ defense. In the previous season, he started all 17 games, recording two interceptions and allowing only 45 receptions on 67 targets. His performance has continued into the current season, where he limited Mike Evans to just three catches for 28 yards in their opening game and maintained a low 1.1 yards of separation per target. In Week 2 against Minnesota, Terrell played only 27 snaps but allowed just two receptions on three targets for 24 yards.
Next Steps for the Falcons
As the Falcons prepare for an upcoming divisional showdown against the Carolina Panthers, the team is left to ponder how Terrell’s absence might affect their defensive strategy. In the interim, Dee Alford stepped in during Terrell’s absence and handled the workload effectively, playing every snap left vacant by Terrell.
The Falcons and Panthers split their series last season, with the Falcons suffering a tough overtime loss where they allowed 44 points. With a critical matchup on the horizon, the Falcons must navigate the uncertainty surrounding Terrell’s injury carefully, as his presence is crucial for the team’s defensive unit.
