The Atlanta Falcons might have put up the second most points in team history on Thursday, but it might have come at the cost of a few offensive stars. The Falcons destroyed the Buccaneers 56-14 on Thursday Night Football thanks to huge performances from quarterback Matt Ryan and Devin Hester and Julio Jones. However, the injury report that comes on Wednesdays could look rather extensive causing the Falcons to make some personnel moves.
The Falcons got the win over the Buccaneers without Roddy White running the sidelines. The receiver was out with a hamstring injury suffered in the Week 2 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. According to head coach Mike Smith, if it were a regular week, White could have played without any issues. However, because the injury was suffered on a short week, the receiver sat out without question. The Falcons clearly did not need him with several others stepping up in his absence. If all goes according to plan, White will be active against the Minnesota Vikings, but what about the others?
Smith confirmed that Hester and Antoine Smith could be on the injury list Wednesday along with Harry Douglas. That is three very big playmakers at risk of not playing this weekend. Hester ended the Tampa Bay game with cramps. That is not uncommon considering he did score a rushing touchdown, recover a fumble and return a punt for a touchdown. Even if Hester is on the injury list, he should be fine to play. Douglas is another question. The wide receiver suffered a foot injury against the Buccaneers. All tests came up negative, but the severity of the injury is unknown at the moment. He is the most likely to be out come Sunday.
If that is the case, the Falcons will insert either Eric Weems or Courtney Roby into a more prominent role with the offense which is certainly not a bad move to make. Roby has a few catches to his name so far this season and Weems is a seasoned vet. SBNation.com suggests bringing Bernard Reedy up from the practice squad. He can take over returns. There is also Freddie Martino who saw his stock rise in training camp. For those that watched HBO's Hard Knocks. Geraldo Boldewijn is also available for re-signing if the Falcons get desperate.
The Vikings are at a low point at the moment, so sitting someone like Douglas and giving Weems and Roby more reps in game is not a terrible idea. That is the approach White took on Thursday. Smith offered him the chance to play about 20-25 snaps and the receiver opted to sit the entire game just to be safe. Atlanta has options.
