The Atlanta Falcons have enlisted Frank Ginda to their practice squad in response to an injury sustained by standout inside linebacker Nate Landman during Wednesday’s practice. Landman, who missed the session due to a thigh injury from the previous Sunday’s victory against the New Orleans Saints, received a positive prognosis from Falcons coach Arthur Smith, who deemed it not “significant.” Despite this reassurance, the Falcons opted to secure Ginda for their practice squad, according to Terrin Waack, a reporter for the team.
Ginda, a former USFL Defensive Player of the Year, had previously joined the Falcons in August, participating in two preseason games and accumulating 12 total tackles before being released. With Landman’s availability for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets uncertain, Ginda has been brought back as a contingency option. The Falcons’ inside linebacker depth faced challenges even before Landman’s injury, as Troy Andersen was placed on injured reserve after just three games due to a pectoral injury necessitating potential season-ending surgery.
Andersen, a former second-round pick, was initially slated to play a significant role alongside Kaden Elliss as the starting inside linebackers. However, this partnership was short-lived due to Andersen’s concussion and subsequent pectoral injury. In Andersen’s absence, Landman, an undrafted free agent in the 2022 NFL Draft, has exceeded expectations. In 11 games, nine of which he started, Landman compiled impressive statistics, including 73 tackles, four tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. He currently ranks third on the team in tackles, trailing only Jessie Bates III and his linebacker counterpart Elliss.
The Falcons’ injury report also includes non-participation by running back Cordarrelle Patterson and defensive lineman Calais Campbell for rest days. Limited participation was observed from wide receiver Mack Hollins and left tackle Jake Matthews, while cornerback Mike Hughes fully participated. As the Falcons prepare for their matchup with the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, they face uncertainties in their linebacker corps, emphasizing the importance of Ginda’s addition to the practice squad. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
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