The Falcons’ already shaky pass coverage suffered another blow when veteran cornerback Desmond Trufant, who suffered a toe injury, was declared out for Sunday’s game against the Cardinals at 4:05 p.m.at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Rookie Kendall Sheffield, who went in late for Isaiah Oliver against the Texans on Sunday, likely would takeover at left cornerback. Also, rookie Jordan Miller would be the top backup since Blidi Wreh-Wilson also is out with a groin injury.
Trufant, Wreh-Wilson and punter Matt Wile were declared out by coach Dan Quinn on Friday.
Trufant injured his toe near the end of the 53-32 loss to the Texans. “He got banged up in the game,” Quinn said.
Right cornerback Oliver was struggling against the Texans when he was pulled in favor of Sheffield. But when Damontae Kazee sustained a concussion, Sheffield went to nickel back and Oliver went back to right cornerback.
Kazee returned to practice Thursday and is ready to man his nickel spot.
Sheffield has been working outside in Trufant’s spot this week.
“It’s been going good,” Sheffield said. “I’m just finding out my role and doing the best that I can for the team.”
Sheffield played 28 defensive snaps (38%) and 26 special-teams snaps against the Texans. With Kenjon Barner back active, he won’t have to return kickoffs.
“It feels great to be out there with the team and do what I can to contribute as much as a I can to the team,” said Sheffield, who was a fourth-round pick (111th overall) out of Ohio State.
Miller, a fifth-round pick (172nd overall) out of Washington, was active against the Texans. He played one play on defense and 14 on special teams.
“I’m going to feel confident in my abilities and in my ability to play football,” Miller said. “I’m confident in the guys ahead of me and the guys behind me. We are all ready to play if we have to carry the flag.”
Miller was inactive for the first four games, but he used practice time to get ready.
“I get to go against him sometimes, finally,” Miller said of Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones. “Him, (Calvin Ridley) and (Mohamed) Sanu, all of the (receivers provide) good work. We have a good receiving corps. They work us out. They make us better for sure.”
Miller is adjusting to life in the NFL, but doesn’t feel any additional pressure.
“I know that when my name is called, I have to be able to make a play and show what I can do,” Miller said. “I’m always going to be ready whether if it’s today or next season. I’m going to be ready to go, that’s just how I’ve always thought about the game.”
Miller has practice mostly outside and not in the slot.
“But I try to make sure to study all of the positions in the back end just in case,” Miller said.
Oliver has had a bumpy start to the season. He knows the Cardinals will try to isolate the cornerbacks in space.
“Definitely something that we are going to have straight come Sunday because it will definitely be stressed going against this offense with the guys that they have,” Oliver said.
Oliver, a second-year player, believes the rookies are ready to play.
“Oh definitely, injuries come with the game,” Oliver said. “Not having Tru out there at practice, other guys were able to get more reps. Those guys have been ready. They have been getting better every week every since training camp. Once they get their opportunity, they’ll definitely make the most of it.”
The cornerbacks will play against Arizona rookie quarterback Kyler Murray, who passed for more than 250 yards and ran for 93 yards in a 26-23 win over Cincinnati on Sunday.
“Great athlete,” Oliver said. “That’s the thing that kind of jumps out at you. Fast. Quick. Can (make) all of the throws. Run. Fast. Probably one of the more athletic quarterbacks in the NFL. He’s definitely going to be a challenge to contain him.”
Also, the rookie cornerbacks may have an advantage playing against the Arizona’s college-style Air Raid offense.
“It’s different than any normal NFL offense,” Oliver said. “It definitely is different than anything we faced so far and probably will face for the rest of the year. A lot of 10 personnel (one back, no tight ends) spread it out, shotgun, (read-pass-options), read-options, get out in space and try to create as much open space for the play makers as they can.”
Quinn is fine with the depth at cornerback.
“That’s why we added some to that space,” Quinn said. “It also adds to the versatility of who we have and how we can play the guys. We’re pleased with Jordan and his first time out, especially on the (special) team side.”
Credit: ccompton@ajc.com
Credit: ccompton@ajc.com
DRAFT BIOS ON SHEFFIELD AND MILLER
Fourth round (111th overall) Kendall Sheffield, CB, Ohio State
Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 193 pounds 40-yard dash: 4.26 seconds, according to Sheffield in phone interview. Bench: Injured his left pectoral muscle on his seventh lift at the combine. Said surgery would not be required. Vertical: not available 10-yard split: not available 20-yard: not available 3-Cone Drill: not available Broad Jump: not available Overview: He signed with Alabama coming out of high school and went to Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, before landing at Ohio State. He has rare speed. He left Alabama after spending his first season as a redshirt. In 2016, he played cornerback and returned kicks at Blinn. He scored touchdowns on both punt and kickoff returns. He made 40 tackles and finished with nine passes defensed in his first season with the Buckeyes, second on the team only to 2018 No. 4 overall pick Denzel Ward, a rookie Pro Bowler for the Cleveland Browns. Teams were a bit more hesitant to challenge Sheffield in 2018, and his tackle (35) and pass breakups (six) dropped despite his starting all 14 games. He was projected to be selected in the third round of the draft. He is from Missouri City, Texas.
Fifth round (172nd overall) Jordan Miller, CB, Washington
Height: 6-foot-1 Weight: 186 pounds 40-yard dash: 4.49 seconds Arm length: 32 7/8 inches. Hands: 9 5/8 Bench: 6 reps of 225 pounds Vertical: 37 inches 10-yard split: 1.56 seconds 20-yard: 2.61 seconds 3-Cone Drill: not available Broad Jump: 10 feet, 5 inches Overview: Had an injury-riddled career for the Huskies. When healthy, he made spectacular plays. Does a poor job in run support as he lunges at ball carriers and doesn't break down before tackling which missed tackles. He was a standout on special teams. He played 302 passing snaps last season. He was targeted on 32 plays and gave up 20 catches for a 62.5 catch percentage. He played 569 snaps overall and had a 70.7 grade by profootballfocus.com. He's from Oceanside, Calif.
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