When the Atlanta Falcons begin practice Wednesday, they’ll do so with several key players not as full participants.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith announced in his press conference Wednesday that starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke will be limited as he continues to battle through a left ankle injury.
Smith said earlier this week Heinicke would likely follow a similar plan to last week, when he was limited Wednesday and Thursday, a full participant Friday and off the injury report by Sunday.
Heinicke’s ankle injury reappeared in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 37-17 loss to the Chicago Bears; he said his foot was stepped on during his penultimate throw, and he was replaced by backup Desmond Ridder for Atlanta’s final two drives.
Elsewhere, the Falcons will be without center Drew Dalman in Wednesday’s practice, as he also contends with an ankle injury. Dalman played the first 48 snaps last Sunday before departing with his ankle; backup Ryan Neuzil took over at center. Atlanta has a pair of other starters with injury questions, as safety DeMarcco Hellams and nickel corner Mike Hughes are in concussion protocol. If Hellams and Hughes are unable to play this week, they’ll likely be replaced by the two players who’s starting spots they previously overtook – safety Richie Grant and nickel Dee Alford. The Falcons (7-9) have a critical matchup Sunday, when they’ll travel to New Orleans for a road matchup against the Saints (8-8) with the NFC South title still alive. Atlanta can take the division crown and snap its six-year playoff drought with a win and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) loss to the Carolina Panthers (2-14).
But the Falcons have their own business to handle first – and would be better suited to do exactly that with a roster as healthy as possible.
Atlanta and New Orleans will kick off Sunday at 1 p.m. EST inside Caesars Superdome.
