Kyle Hinton Steps Up as Falcons Offensive Line Faces Injury Crisis
The Atlanta Falcons are preparing for a challenging Week 10 matchup against the 7-2 Indianapolis Colts, but they’ll do so under a cloud of uncertainty surrounding their offensive line. With starting guards Matthew Bergeron and Chris Lindstrom both facing injury issues, Kyle Hinton is poised to step into a critical role.
Injury Concerns Mount for the Falcons
Head coach Raheem Morris has categorized Bergeron’s situation as “week-to-week,” while Lindstrom is “day-to-day.” Neither player participated in Wednesday’s practice, raising red flags for the Falcons’ offensive strategy. Historically, when Morris describes a player as “week-to-week,” it suggests they are unlikely to play in the immediate game. This trend points to Hinton taking the reins in a line that is already feeling the pressure.
Morris voiced confidence in Hinton’s ability to step up, saying, “If Bergeron can’t go, [Kyle] Hinton’s always been the next man up. He’s been that next man up mentality for us for a while.” Hinton’s familiarity with the system and prior game experience make him a reliable option during this tumultuous time.
Hinton’s Journey and Role Expansion
At 27 years old, Hinton is no stranger to the Falcons, having joined the team in 2023. However, this will only be his second start with the franchise. Although he has played in 43 games since entering the league in 2022, his contributions have largely been on special teams. This week, he will be challenged to protect rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. against one of the NFL’s toughest defensive fronts.
Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson acknowledged Hinton’s potential, stating, “I thought he did a good job once he settled into the game the other day. He’s obviously a big body in there. You feel the stoutness that he has in pass protection. You feel him in the run game as well. We’ve got a ton of confidence in Kyle.”
The Road Ahead for Hinton
Facing the Patriots last Sunday, Hinton was thrust into action earlier than anticipated. Reflecting on his performance, he expressed a mix of satisfaction and areas for improvement. “Pretty good overall,” Hinton remarked, noting the challenges of stepping in without much practice time with the starters. “It’s weird, you know, you don’t get a lot of the reps with the ones in practice… overall, it was pretty good.”
Despite acknowledging some “miscues,” he is optimistic about a week of preparation with the first-team offense ahead of the Colts game. “I’m excited to get out there this week and show more of what I can do,” he added.
A Unique Homecoming
Interestingly, this Week 10 game has a personal element for Hinton, who spent two years in Germany during high school. He views the trip as a chance to reconnect with old coaches and friends but emphasizes his professional mindset. “It’s nice to go back [to Germany]. I haven’t been there in like 10 years… but my mentality is like, I’m going over there to do a job.”
As Hinton prepares to stabilize a line facing sudden upheaval, he is not only stepping into a significant role for the Falcons but also embracing a unique opportunity to blend personal nostalgia with professional ambition.
