The Falcons’ injury-riddled defense took another hit when starting linebacker De’Vondre Campbell suffered a concussion that forced him to leave the game on Sunday against the 49ers.
The Falcons had no update on Campbell’s condition following the game but it’s likely he at least will have to miss Saturday’s game at Carolina. Players diagnosed with concussions are subject to a league protocol before returning to football activities and it’s rare that a player is cleared to play in the next game.
Paul Worrilow replaced Campbell in the starting lineup. Worrilow was a starter the past two seasons before the Falcons selected Campbell in the fourth round of this year’s draft. Campbell has started in nine of 10 games played this season with four games missed because of an ankle injury.
The Falcons were without several key defensive players against the 49ers.
Cornerback Desmond Trufant (chest) and safety Kemal Ishmael (shoulder) are out for the season. Trufant’s replacement in the lineup, Jalen Collins, missed the 49ers game because of a knee injury. Safety Robenson Therezie (ankle) has missed the past two games and defensive end Adrian Clayborn (knee) has missed the past four.
Support real journalism. Support local journalism. Subscribe to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. See offers.
Your subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution funds in-depth reporting and investigations that keep you informed. Thank you for supporting real journalism.