Atlanta Falcons Face Key Injuries Ahead of Crucial Week 18 Finale

The Atlanta Falcons are preparing for their season finale this Sunday. They will host the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. on a short week.

Head coach Raheem Morris provided critical injury updates Wednesday. The team held a walk-through instead of a full practice. Key defensive players have been ruled out for the rivalry game.

Significant Defensive Losses Confirmed for Saints Matchup

Defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus will not play in Week 18. He suffered a hamstring injury during Monday night’s game. Initial fears of a major knee issue were fortunately avoided.

Coach Morris expressed relief about the diagnosis. According to his statements, the team “dodged a big-time bullet.” Dorlus is expected to miss only a couple of weeks.

Cornerback Mike Hughes is also officially out for Sunday. He has been sidelined since Week 15 with an ankle injury. His absence further tests the Falcons’ secondary depth.

Cornerback Clark Phillips III did not participate either. He is dealing with a triceps injury and illness. His return from injured reserve now appears delayed.

Short Week Tests Falcons’ Roster Depth and Resilience

The Falcons are navigating a compressed schedule. They played on Monday night before this Sunday’s game. This limits recovery time for all players, especially the injured.

Several players were limited in Wednesday‘s walk-through. This group includes receivers Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Safety DeMarcco Hellams and lineman Sam Roberts were also limited.

The team’s health will be a major factor. Beating a divisional rival like New Orleans requires a full team effort. The available players must step up to fill the gaps.

The Falcons aim to finish their season with momentum. A win against the Saints would provide a positive send-off. It would also impact the NFC South standings for their rivals.

The Falcons enter their final game shorthanded but determined. Managing these Week 18 injuries is their last challenge of the season. The team’s depth will be tested in this crucial rivalry clash.

Info at your fingertips

Who is definitely out for the Falcons in Week 18?

Defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus and cornerbacks Mike Hughes and Clark Phillips III will not play. All three were listed as non-participants on the estimated injury report for Wednesday.

What was the update on Brandon Dorlus’s injury?

Coach Raheem Morris said the team “dodged a bullet.” The injury is a hamstring issue, not a serious knee problem as initially feared. He is expected to miss a few weeks.

Which key offensive players were limited in practice?

Wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts were limited participants. Both are managing knee injuries on the short week of preparation.

How does the short week affect the Falcons?

Playing on Monday night gives the team less time to recover and prepare. This makes managing injuries even more critical before the Sunday afternoon kickoff.

What is at stake in this Week 18 game?

While playoff hopes are gone, it is a rivalry game against the New Orleans Saints. The Falcons are playing for pride and to finish their season with a winning performance at home.