Many of the Atlanta Falcons’ top starters were not on the field for today’s practice in Flowery Branch.
And they may not be on the field in Mercedes Benz Stadium Sunday when the Falcons take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an all-important inter-conference game which if the Falcons win, they could pad their 6-6 lead over the NFC South division. Not having key starters ready to play on gameday could pose a problem for the Dirty Birds.
Among the starters missing from Thursday’s practice:
Jeff Okudah (cornerback) – Okudah had an ankle injury and had limited practice today.
Nate Landman (linebacker) – Landman has a knee injury.
Kaleb McGary (offensive lineman) – He also has a knee injury.
David Onyemata (defensive lineman)- Onyemata has an ankle injury. He, McGary, and Landman all missed their second practice of the week.
A. J. Terrell (cornerback) – Terrell is on concussion protocol from Sunday’s Jets game. He was in limited practice today.
Drew Dalman (offensive lineman) – Was sighted in practice today. He was out with an ankle injury. He did not join yesterday’s practice.
While those players were recuperating from their injuries, three Falcons players were full participants for today’s practice: wide receiver Mack Hollins (ankle), defensive LaCale London (knee), and cornerback Mike Hughes (hand) were all full participants both Wednesday and today.
A final decision has not been made as yet which of the missing starters will ultimately play Sunday. An official announcement is likely to be made before Sunday’s game with the Buccaneers who will play and who will sit this game out.