Moments ago, the team announced Andy Levitre would be placed on IR and replaced by Wes Schweitzer. The internet has seemed to have collectively jinxed Atlanta by constantly mentioning that they didn’t have anyone get hurt during the preseason. It’s been a Chargers like collection of dinks for this Falcons club, and it’s starting to get very frustrating for a talented roster with Super Bowl aspirations. Injuries to role players that decrease depth are one thing, but Atlanta has their two best defensive players, their first round pick from two years ago, and their starting running back on the injury report.
Deion Jones, Keanu Neal, Andy Levitre, Devonta Freeman, and Takk McKinley are all on the shelf. No matter how talented this team is, they can’t persevere through their entire roster being gutted.
Neal is done for the year. That one hurts a lot, and Kazee is going to have to step up in his absence. Levitre is done for the year, and Schweitzer will likely be a roster cut next season if he shows he’s not a capable replacement. Deion Jones is going to return, but god only knows when that will be. He will be sorely missed this weekend against Alvin Kamara and the Saints. Freeman’s injury status has been widely debated, but Dan Quinn insists he’s day to day. As i’ve mentioned in a previous article, I believe Coleman is a superior back and Ito Smith is a fine compliment to him. Not much is known about Takk McKinley’s groin injury but he’s obviously questionable for Sunday.
With the offense finally looking sharp in week 2, it’s frustrating for Falcons coaches, players, and fans to watch their Super Bowl window slip away due to the health of players. Most importantly, we wish these guys a speedy and full recovery as the season goes along.