The Atlanta Falcons are attempting to prepare for a big Sunday night matchup against the New England Patriots. As of now, the Falcons defense has no idea whether or not they will be playing against two of the Patriots best offensive weapons in Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola. While New England continues to send out mixed messages, recent reports are that both are likely to be on the field.
Gronkowski is preparing to make his season debut after sitting out after undergoing both back and forearm surgeries. The tight end originally said that he was 50-50 for the matchup. Then he was inactive. Now, according to the Boston Globe, Gronkowski will be active as well as Amendola.
Both athletes practiced in a limited format on Wednesday and Thursday. The Patriots opted not to place both on the physically unable to perform list despite early injuries. Amendola saw action in the Patriots' opener, but has yet to be on the field after a hip injury. Gronkowski needs to get on the field Sunday, or the Patriots wasted an opportunity to place him on the PUP list.
Gronkowski has been working hard to heal his injuries, while Amendola's problem cannot get any worse. At this point, the wide receiver will likely undergo surgery after the season, but right now things are more of a pain tolerance issue.
Ben Volin of the Globe noted that fantasy owners should be heavily optimistic as there is a lot of time between now and Sunday. Even if both are on the field, it is unknown how much impact they will have. The Patriots are desperate for pass catches, so the lineup could change with the two back and healthy.
The Falcons are preparing more for Tom Brady than the players around him. Atlanta is confident they can contain the Patriots run game. As of now, the Falcons rank 5th in least amount of rushing yards allowed per game. However, with Brady under center, anything is possible.
''He reads coverages, he makes the right plays, he positions the balls correctly, he throws the deep ball,'' Asante Samuel said, via Boston.com. ''You just got to prepare, be ready for a guy . . . you're going to play against one of the best, and the execution and tempo is going to be unbelievable so don't be shocked.''
The Falcons young secondary will have their hands full no matter who is catching passes for the Patriots. The team is starting two undrafted rookies and one top draft pick on defense, so everyone must be on high alert.
*UPDATE*- Both Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola Have Been Ruled Out for Sunday's Game