The Falcons' defensive front will used a combination of Jack Crawford, Deadrin Senat and Michael Bennett IV to replace defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who's out with an ankle sprain.
“We are going to lean on them heavily,” Falcons defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel said. “Our pass rush stepped it up last week. We are battled tested right now.”
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Jarrett’s injury was the latest blow to the unit that was already scrambling to replace middle linebacker Deion Jones (broken right foot), strong safety Keanu Neal (knee) and free safety Ricardo Allen (torn left Achilles).
The revamped secondary has Brian Poole at strong safety, Isaiah Oliver at cornerback and Desmond Trufant played nickel back. Robert Alford stayed outside.
The Steelers may stay away for Alford and Trufant.
“I have a lot of respect for those two,” Tomlin said. “They are top flight cover guys. I thought Trufant did an awesome job inside. I thought he had a chance to close the game out there in the last drive. That’s what you fight for.”
The Steelers are aware of the Falcons injuries.
“We’ve had our issues,” Tomlin said. “I understand what that’s about particularly when you are dealing with the loss of significant components like Neal, Allen and Jones, I expect those guys to be much improve this week. I know, that’s the way that we are preparing.”
Offensively, the Falcons offense will receive a boost from the return of running back Devonta Freeman.
“He’s such a talented player, so good in the run game, so talented for us out in the backfield for the passing game,” Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said. “He’s a matchup problem.”
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