'Long Shot': Atlanta Falcons Coach Arthur Smith Updates LB Troy Andersen Injury Return
The Atlanta Falcons' defense is in perhaps its darkest moment this season, fresh off allowing four passing touchdowns to rookie quarterback Will Levis on debut in the Tennessee Titans' 28-23 victory over Atlanta on Sunday.
Beyond the on-field result, the Falcons lost star defensive tackle Grady Jarrett for the rest of the season, watching as he suffered a torn ACL inside Nissan Stadium.
And in a third dose of bad news, Falcons coach Arthur Smith isn't optimistic that starting linebacker Troy Andersen, who suffered a torn pectoral late in Atlanta's Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions, will be back this season.
Smith initially foreshadowed Andersen was at risk of missing the remainder of the campaign and reiterated as such Monday - though he didn't entirely write it off.
“I mean, I think it would be a long shot, but I wouldn’t count it out," Smith said. "I don’t want to give you some false hope. Going back to my movie reference, the movie ‘Dumb and Dumber,’ ‘So, you’re saying there’s a chance.’ I guess there’s a chance.”
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Troy Andersen prepares for a snap against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 10, 2023.
Associated Press
Andersen, a second-round pick in 2022, was in the midst of his first full season as a starter. He made 19 tackles in two games and appeared poised for a breakout campaign.
In Andersen's place, the Falcons have turned to second-year pro Nate Landman, who's fourth on the team in tackles with 51, alongside incumbent starter Kaden Elliss.
The former undrafted free agent has drawn praise from Smith, defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen and others for his physicality and intelligence since taking over the starting role.
By all accounts, Landman's done an admirable job filling Andersen's shoes - but the 6-4, 235-pound Montana State alum carries such a versatile skill set that his presence is still missed on Atlanta's defense.
"Troy’s a unique player," Smith said after Week 1. "A guy that size with instincts and speed, that can legitimately cover tight ends and (running) backs allows you to do different things schematically in the backend. And then he’s a good rusher because he’s physical at the point of attack. You get into some of the big games as a rusher, he can collapse the pocket."
But as things stand, it appears likely Smith, Nielsen and the rest of the Falcons' coaching staff won't see Andersen's uniqueness on the field until next spring - even if a chance, however small it may be, exists.
