Good things come to those who wait.
After losing the starting job at center to Drew Dalman to start the season, Matt Hennessy may have an opportunity to step back into the starting lineup for the Falcons on Sunday.
Starting left guard Elijah Wilkinson sustained a knee injury at some point this season, and it has been lingering for some time. On Friday, Wilkinson was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Chargers, per the team’s injury report. He missed practices this week and his addition to the injury report comes as somewhat of a surprise, as he played all 67 offensive snaps in the Falcons’ 37-34 overtime win over the Panthers on Sunday.
With Wilkinson slated to miss the game Sunday (1 p.m., Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Hennessy potentially will step up in his place and has been taking snaps at the position all week in practice.
“It’s an exciting opportunity,” Hennessy said. “It’s something I’ve been working at for a few weeks now. I’ve just been trying to make progress and gain more comfort there. I’m excited about the progress I’ve made.”
Hennessy has been working at all the interior line spots throughout the season, staying ready for an opportunity to step up when needed.
“A lot of the work came at the beginning of the season,” Hennessy said of his comfort at left guard. “Just gotta come through with those movements at left guard. (I’ve been) working with the scout team. Definitely have made a lot of progress, and I’m really comfortable there.”
Becoming a backup was an adjustment for Hennessy. Even though the third-year pro lost the starting job this season, he still focuses on being an asset to the team. As a result, he has been staying patient, waiting for a chance to make an impact.
“My mentality from the beginning has been to do whatever I can to help the team,” Hennessy said. “Going into Week 1 when I found out Drew was starting, my focus adjusted to being able to back up the center position and help Drew in any way that I could.”
Jake Matthews, the Falcons’ starting left tackle, said Hennessy has looked good at left guard since he started to take reps with the starters, and he looks forward to playing with him Sunday.
“He’s an athletic guy,” Matthews said. “He’s got great feet. I think he’s gonna do a good job Sunday.”
Matthews also said this is an opportunity for Hennessy to showcase his talents.
“He wants to be out there playing because he’s a competitor,” Matthews said of Hennessy’s mentality this season. “He’s handled (his role) right still. I think he’s gonna take advantage of this opportunity.”
It’s a feel-good moment for Hennessy, knowing that his hard work is paying off – even if it’s temporary.
“It definitely is a good feeling,” Hennessy said. “I’ve just tried to bring good effort and good attitude everyday since (becoming the back up). So, it’ll be exciting to get back in the lineup, if that’s what happens.”
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Atlanta Falcons 2022 schedule
Sept. 11: Saints 27, Falcons 26
Sept. 18: Rams 31, Falcons 27
Sept. 25 Falcons 27, Seahawks 23
Oct. 2 Falcons 23, Browns 20
Oct. 9 Buccaneers 21, Falcons 15
Oct. 16 Falcons 28, 49ers 14
Oct. 23 Bengals 35, Falcons 17
Oct. 30 Falcons 37, Panthers 34 OT
Nov. 6 vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1 p.m.
Nov. 10 at Carolina, 8:15 p.m.
Nov. 20 vs. Chicago, 1 p.m.
Nov. 27 at Washington, 1 p.m.
Dec. 4 vs. Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
BYE WEEK
Dec. 18 at New Orleans, TBD
Dec. 24 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Jan. 1 vs. Arizona, 1 p.m.
Jan. 8 vs. Tampa Bay, TBD
