5 things to know before today’s Falcons at Redskins’ kickoff

Winner gets head-to-head playoff tie-breaker

Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian addresses the team's third-down issues. (Video by D. Orlando Ledbetter / AJC)

Here are five things to know before today’s Falcons (3-4) at Redskins (5-2) kickoff at 1 p.m. at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.

1. Injury report: The Falcons can't seem to dodge the injury bullet.

As soon as they get a player back like defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (ankle), another one goes down to injury.

Starting cornerback Robert Alford, who finished the last game with an ankle injury, will not play when the Falcons (3-4) face the surprising Washington Redskins (5-2) at 1 p.m Sunday at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.

The Falcons were already down three opening-day starters in strong safety Keanu Neal (knee surgery), free safety Ricardo Allen (Achilles surgery) and linebacker Deion Jones (broken foot).

Also, kicker Matt Bryant (hamstring) will not play.  While wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (hip) returned to practice on Friday after not practicing on Thursday.

Cornerback Justin Bethel (back), long snapper Josh Harris (hand), center Alex Mack (back) and defensive tackle Deadrin Senat (neck/shoulder) are all expected to play.

Washington will be without starting left tackle Trent Williams, who had thumb surgery. Ty Nsekhe will replace Williams. The Redskins will also be without wide receiver Jamison Crowder and  backup running back Chris Thompson.

2. Jones touchdown drought.   Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones has gone 12 regular season games without catching a touchdown pass. Jones last touchdown catch was in the 26-13 win over the Rams in the wild-card round of the playoffs on Jan. 6, 2018. He last regular-season touchdown catch was against Tampa Bay in a 34-20 win on Nov. 26, 2017. He caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan against the Bucs. Earlier in the game, he caught a 51-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.

3. Series. This will be the 25th meeting. The Redskins hold a 14-9-1 advantage. The Falcons have won the last five meetings.

4. Where to watch, listen: Here's the broadcast information for Sunday's game which is being televised by Fox NFL with Kevin Burkhardt  handling the play-by-play, Charles Davis the commentating and Pam Oliver as the field reporter.

5. Contrasting rushing attacks. While the Falcons have struggled to run the ball, Washington's  Adrian Peterson, 33, is on pace to rush for 1,340 yards.

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