The Falcons are gearing up for a season finale in New Orleans that could result in a postseason berth or another top 10 draft pick.
Atlanta could win the NFC South if the Buccaneers lose in Carolina, but they could also end up with the 8th overall pick if they lose to the Saints and the Jets beat the Patriots.
It could also decide the fate of Arthur Smith. Depending on who you ask, the Falcons head coach’s job security varies. Some insiders believe he’s safe, while others think he’s as good as gone.
It’s the most impactful Falcons-Saints matchup in quite some time as questions of Dennis Allen’s job security arise as well, and the good guys could be welcoming a reinforcement.
According to the team’s website, the Falcons have designated Troy Andersen to return from injured reserve. The 2022 second-round pick was placed on IR in late September for a shoulder/pectoral injury that he suffered during the club’s Week 3 contest against the Lions.
Typically, with his 21-day window open, he must be activated to the 53-man roster or placed on season-ending IR by the end of the period, but since this is final game of the season, it won’t matter.
Prior to the injury, Andersen only logged one game where he played four quarters in a Week 1 win over the Panthers in which he logged 10 tackles and a sack assist. He missed Atlanta’s Week 2 matchup against the Packers with a concussion, when we saw our first glimpse of Nate Landman, who took over for Andersen when he was placed on IR.
The Falcons undrafted free agent has established himself as a capable starter in this league; Landman even landed in the top 10 of the Pro Bowl voting. Hopefully, Andersen is back, but it’ll likely be Landman starting on Sunday against the Saints.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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