More than four months after suffering a knee injury, Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon still hasn’t been cleared to participate in team workouts.
The plan, Weatherspoon said, is “easing me in and letting me get right” before he returns to full speed. It may be the prudent course for Weatherspoon but it’s the latest injury setback for the four-year veteran.
Weatherspoon didn’t have any major injuries at Missouri but has missed time in all but one season with the Falcons for a total of 17 games.
He opened his rookie season as a starter but missed five games that year because of injuries and was eased back into the lineup as a reserve. Weatherspoon had a breakout year in 2011, starting all 16 games and recording 115 tackles with four sacks, but missed three games with ailments in 2012.
The timing isn’t the best for Weatherspoon. After playing just seven games last season because of injuries, he’s eligible to become a free agent after the 2014 season.
At 26 years old, Weatherspoon’s career trajectory could hinge largely on his ability to show he can be healthy and productive for a full season. That’s why he said a lot is riding on his fifth pro season.
“This year means everything for me,” Weatherspoon said. “I think time will tell if I will be part of this organization for a few years or (2014) could be my last. I am looking forward to going out there and focusing on doing my job one play at a time. I just pray for a clean bill of health and I know everything will work out in my favor.”
So far Weatherspoon’s career has featured a large portion of bad injury luck.
The Falcons selected Weatherspoon with the 19th overall draft pick in 2010 out of Missouri. Weatherspoon’s size, strength, and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect but injuries have made it difficult for him to be a consistent performer.
Weatherspoon was caught in the avalanche of Falcons injuries during the 2013 season. He went down in the second game with a foot sprain that sidelined him for the next seven. Weatherspoon returned in Week 11 and played in five consecutive games before missing the final two with the knee injury.
The second injury still has Weatherspoon limited to lifting weights and working with the training staff.
“I would say I’m feeling about 80 percent right now,” he said. “I’m working hard and looking forward to getting back to 100 percent. I really don’t know my schedule.”
With Weatherspoon sidelined and fellow veteran Stephen Nicholas hobbled and ineffective last season, the Falcons were forced to rely heavily on rookie linebackers Paul Worrilow and Japlo Bartu. Those two, both college free agents, took their lumps while learning on the fly.
Weatherspoon’s play was spotty when he was in the lineup, especially against the run. Weatherspoon missed 11 tackles in 399 plays, according to statistical analysis website Pro Football Focus, by far the highest rate on a unit that tackled poorly all around.
Weatherspoon said the addition of free agent tackle Paul Soliai, who is listed at 340 pounds, should help shore up the run defense. The Falcons also brought back tackles Jonathan Babineaux and Peria Jerry.
Falcons coach Mike Smith has set a goal for the team to be more physical as they try to get back on track following a 4-12 season. Safety William Moore said better tackling is a big part of that effort.
The Falcons were consistently gashed for big plays because of missed tackles in 2013 and Moore said technique was only part of the problem.
“It’s a mindset,” Moore said. “When you run up there you’ve got to have it in your mind that you are going to get that guy down. Taking an angle is just the start. Take the right angle but, most of all, it’s a mindset to go up there and be physical.”
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