Falcons starting center Person (ankle) out vs. Saints
Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Monday that center Mike Person won’t play against the Saints on Thursday because of injury and will be replaced in the starting lineup by James Stone.
Person suffered an ankle injury during the second half of the overtime victory against the Redskins on Sunday. He left the game after playing 43 snaps and was replaced by Stone, who played 38.
Stone signed with the Falcons as a college free agent out of the University of Tennessee in 2014. He ended up starting nine games at center after Joe Hawley and Peter Konz were lost to season-ending injuries. Former offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter credited Stone’s play for helping to stabilize the line.
Stone has played a total of 52 snaps this season. He played 14 snaps at left guard against the Texans once the Falcons had a commanding lead.
Quinn said Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (toe/hamstring) and linebacker Justin Durant (elbow) would not have practiced on Monday if the team had a full session instead of a walk through. Quinn said both players are expected to play against the Saints. Durant did not play against the Redskins.
About the Author
