The upcoming clash between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers holds significant implications for the NFC South, potentially determining the division’s leader. A victory for the Falcons would secure their dominance, providing a virtual two-game lead that could extend to three if the Saints fail to overcome the Panthers. Conversely, a loss would relegate the Falcons to second place in the division.
This crucial December matchup, unusual for the Falcons in recent times, is overshadowed by the potential absence of several key starters. Drew Dalman, dealing with an ankle injury, saw an upgrade to limited participation in practice, offering a glimmer of hope for his availability. Dalman, now in his third year, has emerged as a standout center in the league.
However, concerns loom over the sidelined players, including Jeff Okudah, Nate Landman, Kaleb McGary, and David Onyemata. Star cornerback A.J. Terrell remains in concussion protocol, further complicating the Falcons’ defensive strategy against the Buccaneers.
The absence of multiple starters intensifies the reliance on backup players, creating varying levels of urgency in different positions. In the absence of Okudah and Terrell, rookie Clark Phillips and veteran Tre Flowers step into crucial roles. While Phillips showed promise against the Jets, the Buccaneers present a more formidable challenge with their sizeable receivers and potent passing attack.
Tre Flowers, who started the season in place of the recovering Okudah, offers a more reliable option against Tampa, especially when compared to Mike Hughes. Andre Smith, filling in for Landman, demonstrated resilience and even recovered a forced fumble, mitigating the impact of a potential absence in the linebacker position.
Last week’s performance by Storm Norton in lieu of Kaleb McGary raises questions about the offensive line’s capability in McGary’s potential absence. Whether Norton’s effectiveness was a result of a limited sample size or indicative of his readiness for a starting role remains to be seen and will be put to the test this Sunday.
The potential loss of David Onyemata compounds the defensive challenges for the Falcons, already missing Grady Jarrett. While the return of LaCale London could bolster the defensive unit, Onyemata’s absence would undoubtedly be a substantial setback.
Despite the team’s expressed confidence in the availability of some players, the prevailing trend suggests that at least one or two key starters may miss the critical divisional matchup for the Falcons.
Center Drew Dalman (ankle) moved up to a limited participant in Atlanta's Thursday's practice, but CB Jeff Okudah (ankle), LB Nate Landman (knee), RT Kaleb McGary and DT David Onyemata (ankle) did not practice. CB A.J. Terrell remains in concussion protocol.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) December 7, 2023
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