Jake Matthews has been an absolute iron man for the Falcons. The stalwart left tackle hasn’t missed a game since his rookie season in 2014, and he played in 15 games that year. He’s started every single game since joining the team except for one… 137 games out of a possible 138. That’s unbelievable for a lineman in today’s NFL. Well, he could be in danger of missing Atlanta’s contest against the Panthers on Thursday Night Football.
Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports that Matthews traveled back to Atlanta this morning for the delivery of his and his wife’s first child, but the team hopes they’ll have him back for tonight’s game.
Falcons are tied for NFC South lead mainly due to fun 4-headed run game. A key cog — LT Jake Matthews — was taken back to ATL by Falcons this AM for delivery of he/his wife 1st child. Hope is to have Matthews back for TNF game.
My @nflnetwork report on day of Matthews arrivals: pic.twitter.com/42z7bTwTA2
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) November 10, 2022
The Falcons are already down AJ Terrell, Erik Harris, and Feleipe Franks this week. And the team has a bevy of key contributors on the injured reserve — Casey Hayward, Elijah Wilkinson, and Matt Hennessy. The offensive line could be down as many as three players if Matthews can’t make it back for the game. Germain Ifedi or Chuma Edoga will likely get the start if Matthews can’t go, which could prove detrimental to the Falcons’ chances of winning this game and keeping themselves in the hunt for the division and playoffs. Still, we wish Matthews and his wife the best of luck in the birth of their child!
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*UPDATE*
Jake Matthews will indeed make it back to Charlotte for the Falcons’ matchup against the Panthers on Thursday Night Football, per Cameron Wolfe.
I’m told Meggi Matthews delivered a healthy baby boy, Beckett, this afternoon in Atlanta. Falcons LT Jake Matthews is en route back to Charlotte for tonight’s game with owner Arthur Blank.
What a day for Matthews family. https://t.co/2QVg9F6HUX
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) November 10, 2022
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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