Falcons' Arthur Smith Reveals Concern Level on Calais Campbell Injury
Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith provided an update on the status of defensive lineman Calais Campbell Wednesday morning after the team placed the veteran on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) List on Tuesday.
Campbell is set to begin his first training camp with Atlanta on the sidelines, but coach Arthur Smith is not worried about the injury affecting the 36-year-old long-term.
"Pretty healthy going into camp, obviously Calais [Campbel] is on the NFI," Smith told reporters ahead of training camp on Wednesday. "Nothing we're concerned about long-term."
Smith continued that Campbell's injury will not keep the six-time Pro Bowler from making an impact in camp.
"It's just a personal medical thing he took care of," Smith said. "It won't affect his performance, but he'll be starting a little bit later than the rest of the guys."
The sooner Campbell returns to play, the better. The Falcons recorded just 21 sacks last year, good enough for second to last in the NFL.
Last fall, the 6-8, 300-pound defensive lineman recorded 5.5 sacks, 4.0 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, 18 solo tackles, and 14 quarterback hits with the Baltimore Ravens
Campbell on his own will not solve Atlanta's pass rush woes at this stage in his career, but his presence will open the door for others along the Falcons' defensive front.
The former Walter Payton Man of the Year winner elected to sign with Atlanta this offseason over the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets and has been vocal about his confidence in the Falcons' roster and Smith as a coach.
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