'Very Pleased!' Falcons Coach Arthur Smith Provides Injury Updates
The Atlanta Falcons are set to kick off the new season this Sunday against the Carolina Panthers - and appear poised to do so with a relatively healthy squad.
Atlanta battled several injuries during training camp, including soft tissue problems with cornerback Mike Hughes and running back Cordarrelle Patterson, among others. There was also the ankle injury to Jeff Okudah, who was carted off in early August.
And so, the Falcons spent much of the last month not at full strength ... but entering the season opener, coach Arthur Smith likes where his team is at health-wise.
“Some of those guys will be back out there, but (I’m) very pleased with how everybody’s progressing," Smith said Monday. "Those guys worked hard over the weekend rehabbing, but most of those guys will be back with the exception of a few.”
Smith added that Wednesday will be important as the Falcons decide who's realistically capable of playing in Week 1 and start to assemble a game plan.
The three Falcons at risk of missing Sunday's game are Patterson, Okudah and receiver KhaDarel Hodge, who injured his ankle during the second preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hughes returned to practice Monday and told reporters afterwards that he had a hip flexor, which was sustained during the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins.
If Patterson can't play, Atlanta will be down to just two ballcarriers - Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier - and may be forced to elevate running back and return specialist Godwin Igwebuike from the practice squad.
It's a similar story at receiver if Hodge can't play, as only four healthy wideouts - Drake London, Mack Hollins, Scotty Miller and Josh Ali - would be available. The Falcons currently have three pass catchers on their practice squad with Zay Malone, Mathew Sexton and C.J. Saunders.
At cornerback, with Okudah out, Atlanta has featured veteran Tre Flowers on the outside opposite A.J. Terrell, while Dee Alford has manned the nickel spot. Hughes and rookie Clark Phillips III are also capable of playing outside, though they've spent much of the summer inside.
The answer on whether Atlanta enters completely healthy will be in soon enough - but regardless, it's in a good spot with the opener looming.
The Falcons and Panthers will kick off at 1 p.m. inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
