Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Blalock’s string of 102 consecutive starts in jeopardy

By
Oct 2, 2014

Falcons guard Justin Blalock (back) and wide receiver Harry Douglas (foot) sat out practice on Thursday.

Blalock, who wore a baseball cap as he worked out with the athletic trainers, left the game during Sunday’s 41-28 defeat at the Vikings. Blalock has never missed a game because of injury during his eight-year career and has made 102 consecutive starts in the regular season.

If Blalock is forced to sit out, Harland Gunn is set to replace him in the lineup. The Falcons signed Gunn off the practice squad on Tuesday after center Joe Hawley (knee) and tackle Lamar Holmes (foot) were placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Douglas did not play against the Vikings. He was a full participant for two practices leading up to the game before being listed as limited on Friday.

Four Falcons players were limited in practice Wednesday: wide receiver Devin Hester (ankle), safety Kemal Ishmael (ankle), wide receiver Julio Jones (ankle) and linebacker Prince Shembo (knee).

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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