LONDON — Undrafted rookie James Stone will start at center for the Falcons against the Lions on Sunday, according to coach Mike Smith
Stone, 6-foot-3, 291 pounds, will become the third starting center this season. He follows Joe Hawley and Peter Konz, who both suffered season-ending knee injuries.
Hawley was injured against Minnesota on Sept. 28.Konz was injured in last week's lost to the Baltimore Ravens and was placed on injured reserve.
Stone played 45 games at Tennessee and started 39 times. He was named to the Dave Rimington watch list last season.
For the second consecutive season, the Falcons have been ravaged by injuries along the offensive line.
In addition to the revolving door at center, the Falcons have lost tackles Sam Baker (knee) and Lamar Holmes (foot) to season-ending injuries along with reserve lineman Mike Johnson.
The expected starting offensive line of left tackle Jake Matthews, left guard Justin Blalock, Stone, right guard Jon Asamoah and left tackle Gabe Carimi will be the fifth different unit this season.
Harland Gunn, who was inactive last week against Baltimore, will serve as the backup center. Stone, who played at Tennessee, finished the Baltimore game. He played 56 of the 66 offensive snaps.
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said he’s glad the team is away and in a hotel because he’s had extra time to watch film with Stone in order to make sure they are on the same page.
“James has done a great job since the first day he walked into the building,” Ryan said. “He’s a smart guy and has picked up our offense very quickly."
The center will play a key role against Detroit’s stout defensive front, which features tackle Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.
Falcons coach Mike Smith today at the podium. (Photo by D. Orlando Ledbetter)
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