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Atlanta Falcons Injury Update: Kaleb McGary & Nate Landman Avoid Long-Term Absences

Originally posted on FanNation Falcon Report
By Daniel Flick | Last updated 12/4/23

The Atlanta Falcons took a 13-8 road victory over the New York Jets on Sunday but didn't escape without damage.

Atlanta, which already believes to have lost defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (knee) and linebacker Troy Andersen (pectoral) for the season to injuries suffered earlier this year, saw three more starters go down Sunday.

Falcons linebacker Nate Landman hurt his left knee in the fourth quarter and appeared to be in considerable pain, as he laid on his back for multiple minutes and was carried to the sideline. Landman placed no weight on his leg before limping into the medical tent.

Landman and starting right tackle Kaleb McGary, who left in the first half with a knee injury, were the two players Falcons coach Arthur Smith mentioned postgame Sunday as needing to see medical images.

ESPN reported Monday that McGary likely suffered an MCL sprain and "could miss some time" but isn't expected to be a long-term issue.

Speaking to reporters in his usual Monday press conference, Smith confirmed this for both McGary and Landman, saying they won't miss extended action.

Smith added he's unsure if they'll play this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will know more later in the week, particularly when practice begins Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell was ruled out for the remainder of the game with a concussion after a helmet-to-helmet hit with Jets running back Breece Hall on the last play of Atlanta's first defensive series.

In Terrell's place, rookie cornerback Clark Phillips III received his biggest workload to date, playing 65 defensive snaps. It was just the second time Phillips has taken the field on defense.

Terrell will go through concussion protocol this week, making his status up in the air.

Smith added Sunday that fellow starting cornerback Jeff Okudah should be "okay" after sustaining an undisclosed injury late and reiterated similar thoughts Monday, though he's also uncertain about Okudah's status for Sunday.

The Falcons were without starting receiver Mack Hollins (ankle) and backup cornerback Mike Hughes (hand) against the Jets. Smith said defensive tackle David Onyemata and center Drew Dalman were banged up during the game.

In essence, Atlanta's roster is far from healthy - but none of the injuries that occurred Sunday are expected to permeate throughout the rest of the season.

This article first appeared on FanNation Falcon Report and was syndicated with permission.

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