The Falcons have been relatively healthy to begin the season, and it’s a big reason why they sit 2-0 after the first two weeks.
Two starters, Jeff Okudah and Cordarrelle Patterson, have yet to appear this season, but that seems likely to change in the near future. They appeared late last week in practice, and Arthur Smith confirmed they will continue to participate in some capacity this week. It’s evident the Falcons are handling things cautiously with both of them, but nobody should be shocked if Okudah and Patterson make their season debuts against the Lions.
In Week 2, the Falcons were also without starting linebacker Troy Andersen, who was placed in concussion protocol. It appears he’s still not cleared to return but that could change before Sunday.
#Falcons coach Arthur Smith said Jeff Okudah and Cordarrelle Patterson will be at practice today. DE Calais Campbell will get a rest day and work inside. LB Troy Andersen is coming along. (Enterred Concussion protocol last Tuesday.)
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) September 20, 2023
In Andersen’s place, Nate Landman filled in admirably against the Packers. Having Andersen back out there, especially against a fantastic offense like the Lions, would be nice, but Landman showed he’s more than capable of handling duties if Andersen is sidelined once again.
On the other side, the Lions are dealing with a plethora of injury issues and will be without several key pieces against the Falcons. Antoine Green (concussion), C.J Gardner-Johnson (pec) David Montgomery (thigh bruise), Kerby Joseph (hip), Halapoulivaati Vaitai (knee), and James Houston (ankle) were all injured in their Week 2 contest against the Seahawks. And most recently, star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown missed practice today and his status is up in the air for Sunday.
#Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is dealing with a toe injury and will not practice today, per HC Dan Campbell. Team considers him to be day-to-day.
Lions host the Falcons on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/qy7VBIfpxF
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 20, 2023
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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