Falcons linebacker Brooks Reed (groin) and left tackle Jake Matthews (back), both projected starters, missed their second day of practice and will not play against the Ravens on Thursday.
Reed has had lingering groin issues since signing with the Falcons. He played in the past two exhibition games after missing most of the offseason program. He played nine snaps against the Jets and eight snaps against Miami on Saturday.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn said he’s concerned about the injury.
“We certainly are concerend,” Quinn said. “We are just trying to get it right in terms of him getting the strength back.”
Losing Reed would be a major blow to the defense.
“He’s got such tougness and edge setting pressure,” Quinn said. “We are just trying to get him where he’s feeling at his best.”
Reed was the Falcons major offseason pick up. After playing four years with the Houston Texans, he signed a five-year, $22.5 million deal with $9 million guaranteed. O’Brien Schofield and Tyler Starr are listed behind Reed on the team’s depth chart.
The Falcons are not sure if surgery will be required.
“He’s getting a second opinion,” Quinn said. “So, we are not that far down the road yet. But when we do, we’ll updat you if it goes down that way.”
Also, linebacker Justin Durant (foot), wide receiver Roddy White (elbow), wide receiver Devin Hester (toe), tight end Tony Moeaki (ankle) did not practice.
Running back Antone Smith (hamstring), linebacker Joplo Bartu (quadriceps) and safety Robensen Therezie (quadriceps) participated in warmups, but were not expect to fully participate in practice.
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