The Atlanta Falcons are 3-4, 3rd in the NFC South, and will be facing off against the on-fire, 6-2 New England Patriots on Sunday. Throughout the week, the Falcons have had numerous players on the injury report, such as quarterback Michael Penix Jr., Wide Receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney, but they’ll be ready to play, along with others who were listed.
They’re relatively healthy on offense, but the defense was hit with some setbacks as they’ll be missing two key defensive players and maybe another as a former Pro Bowler, and others remain questionable after this Friday’s practice.
Questionable Defensive Players
The defensive players that are questionable for Sunday’s game vs the Patriots are Safety Jessie Bates III (Knee), Edge Rushers Jalon Walker (groin), and Leonard Floyd (Groin)
It was reported by Tori McElhaney that Walker could return for the Falcons, as he was listed as questionable, being that he was out for the last two games. It was also reported that Jessie Bates III is hopeful to be active as he sustained a knee injury vs the Miami Dolphins.
In a media session before Thursday’s practice, Bates III talked about his injury status and potential return saying, “I feel pretty good. We’ll see how things go in practice. As long as there’s no setbacks, I think I’ll be fine.” Bates III was a full participant in Thursday’s practice. With him back on the field, an already struggling secondary will get its veteran leader back.
Defensive Players Out vs Patriots
Cornerback Billy Bowman Jr is listed as out for Sunday’s game due to a hamstring issue. Bowman Jr. didn’t practice on Friday. This will be his 4th straight game missed. That negatively affects the depth in the defensive back group. The secondary has dealt with multiple injuries throughout the season, including AJ Terrell Jr. (hamstring), who suffered an injury in Week 2.
Defensive lineman Zach Harrison won’t be suiting up this week due to a knee injury. He didn’t practice on Wednesday but was a limited participant on Thursday.
It was reported by Terrin Waack that Harrison commented on the extent of his injury, saying, “I feel good.” He talked about the possibility of playing and he said, “Yeah, that’s the plan.” He tried to get back, but ultimately, he’ll be sidelined, which will leave a void in a defensive line where multiple players have been limited in practice this week. This will be Harrison’s 3rd missed game in a row.
PFSN’s Offense Impact grades the Falcons C- with an Offensive Impact score of 72.3 and a 73.7 score by PFSN’s Defense Impact.
Friday, Oct. 31 Injury report
Full Participation
- WR Darnell Mooney (hamstring)
- WR Drake London (hip)
- TE Kyle Pitts (ankle)
- QB Michael Penix (knee)
- RB Tyler Allgeier (knee)
- CB Natrone Brooks (shoulder)
Limited Participation
- S Jessie Bates III (knee)
- EDGE Jalon Walker (groin)
- ILB Kaden Elliss (not injury related – resting player)
- EDGE Leonard Floyd (hamstring)
- T Jake Matthews (ankle)
- DL Ta’Quon Graham (calf)
Did Not Participate
- CB Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring)
- OL Storm Norton (foot)
- WR Casey Washington (back)
- DL David Onyemata (not injury related – resting player)
- DL Zach Harrison (knee)
Friday, Oct. 31 Game report
Questionable
- S Jessie Bates III (knee)
- EDGE Jalon Walker (groin)
- EDGE Leonard Floyd (hamstring)
Doubtful
- N/A
Out
- CB Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring)
- OL Storm Norton (foot)
- WR Casey Washington (back)
- DL Zach Harrison (knee)
