Falcons special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong is coming up with a plan to replace running back Antone Smith, who was on the five key core units and was one of the unit’s captain.
He suffered a broken leg against Carolina and was placed on Injured reserve on Monday.
“It’s tough that’s for sure,” Armstrong said. “He’s a big time player for us. He was very important for this team. Guys looked up to him.”
Smith was injured serving in his role as a outside gunner on the punt coverage team. Wide receiver Drew Davis, who will likely be activated, is the logical choice to replace him.
“That’s top secret right now,” Armstrong said when asked who would replace Smith.
Davis, 25, has been practicing with the team after being out since undergoing foot surgery in July.
The Falcons have up to 21 days to add him to the active roster from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Davis had issues with the foot at the end of minicamp in June and missed all of training camp. Davis remained on the PUP at the start of the season and had to miss a minimum of six weeks.
Davis is in his third season with the Falcons. He has 16 catches for 256 yards and three touchdowns in 32 career games and also has been a core special-teams player.
“Obviously he’s an outstanding gunner,” Armstrong said. “He can beat single blocks. He’s a good cover guy. A big man so he can match up on some people.
“He solves a lot of issues for you in terms of matching up on a bigger man who can run. He’s tough and smart. He’ll bring some leadership to the table.”
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