Raheem Morris provides grim update on injured Falcons

The Falcons saw several players go down with injuries in their Week 10 loss to the Saints.

Mike Hughes left the contest with a neck injury. Replaced by Clark Phillips, Hughes’ presence was sorely missed. Thankfully, the veteran escaped without a serious injury and has been cleared to return to action.

Unfortunately, that’s where the good news stops. Raheem Morris provided some grim updates on three other Falcons.

Troy Andersen has reaggravated the injury that kept him out for multiple months, while Ta’Quon Graham and James Smith-Williams‘ respective injuries were described as “not so good” on Monday, per Daniel Flick.

Raheem Morris said Mike Hughes (neck) had an MRI today and has been cleared to return moving forward. The Falcons will reevaluate Troy Andersen, who reaggravated his knee injury yesterday.

"Not so good" on Ta'Quon Graham (pectoral) nor James Smith-Williams — news coming soon.

— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) November 11, 2024

Andersen finally returned from the same injury that happened during his breakout performance against the Saints earlier in the season. The second-round pick has continuously battled injuries during his young career. This is an awful development for someone Atlanta was counting on to be a significant contributor.

The injuries to Smith-Williams and Graham don’t seem like a big deal on the surface, but they are if you dig a little deeper. Over the last several weeks, Jimmy Lake has been much more liberal with the defensive front rotation, with Graham and Smith-Williams assuming larger roles, and it’s had some positive results. Both will be missed at a position that is already struggling to make an impact.

What it might also do is pave the path for Brandon Dorlus, Atlanta’s rookie fourth-round pick, to finally make his regular season debut. The Falcons 2024 draft class has yet to make a real impact, with Ruke Orhorhoro succumbing to an injury shortly after making his debut.

The Falcons already have a shotty defense. Losing anyone is going to have a negative impact on Lake’s unit.

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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire

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