Sports

Uncertain status for injured Falcons

Falcons guard Justin Blalock walks off the field after getting injured during the first half against the Vikings in Minneapolis.
Falcons guard Justin Blalock walks off the field after getting injured during the first half against the Vikings in Minneapolis.
Sept 29, 2014

Falcons coach Mike Smith today provided no updates on the four injured starters who did not finish Sunday’s loss at Minnesota.

Safety William Moore (shoulder) and offensive linemen Joe Hawley (knee), Justin Blalock (back) and Lamar Holmes (foot) all left the game. Blalock and Hawley were to have MRI tests today.

The Falcons are not required to update the status of those players until the first official injury report of the week is released on Wednesday. The Falcons play at the Giants on Sunday.

Smith wouldn’t say if the Falcons planned to seek offensive line help with three starters banged up.

“I don’t think it does us any good to be talking in hypothetical (terms) on Monday,” Smith said. “Until there is something concrete we will just stay on that course.”

With three linemen out with injuries, the Falcons ended up having to finish the game with tight end Levine Toilolo at right tackle. Smith said Toilolo played 18 snaps at the new position and fared well under the circumstances.

The Falcons had seven offensive linemen on the 46-man active roster for the game, which is the norm. Smith said if a lineman is dealing with an injury going into the game there may be an eighth added as insurance.

Smith said he expects wide receiver Harry Douglas to practice on Wednesday. Douglas missed the Minnesota game with a foot injury after he was limited in practice on Friday following two full participation days.

“Harry tried his (best) to get back out there,” Smith said. “We are hoping that he continues to turn around and gets back out there on Wednesday.”

About the Author

Michael Cunningham has covered Atlanta sports for the AJC since 2010.

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