The ripple effect from the injury to Falcons safety William Moore means standout Kemal Ishmael will play less time on special teams.
Ishmael will start at safety in place of Moore, who is out for at least the next weight weeks. Coach Mike Smith said Ishmael will no longer play on the kick and coverage units.
Ishmael is second on the team with three special-teams tackles. Safety Sean Baker, signed from the practice squad on Tuesday, was on coverage teams during Wednesday’s practice.
Special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong said Jonathan Massaquoi and Stansly Maponga could take on larger roles with Ishmael unavailable.
“We can rotate some guys,” Armstrong said. “We will be fine.”
The Falcons rank 29th in opponent kickoff return average (28.4) and 26th in punt return average (12.3). They are 11th in kickoff return average (25.6) and fourth in punt return average (15.3).
Linebacker Nate Stupar leads the Falcons with four total special-teams tackles, including three solo. The Falcons claimed Stupar off of waivers from Jacksonville before the season.
“He plays with some good energy,” Armstrong said. “He can run. He’s fitting in well. Punt return, he’s allowed us to match up on some speed. He’s helped.”
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