Atlanta Falcons shouldn’t fire anyone, and can Panthers go undefeated?

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Leonard Hankerson (85) reacts with wide receiver Roddy White (84) after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Colts defeated the Falcons 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

5. Leonard Hankerson’s health holding him back

The Falcons need someone to step up as a consistent No. 2 receiver, and Leonard Hankerson was supposed to be that guy. Roddy White has struggled to produce like he has done in years past, and there is a glaring hole between White and Julio Jones on the depth chart.

Sure, Hankerson drops the football a lot and has himself had quiet games, but there’s no denying the Falcons offense is better when he’s on the field. But injuries have set him back, and it’s a concern not just for this season, but for his long-term future with the team.

Hankerson has only played an entire season once in his career, back in 2012. He played just four times in his rookie year in 2011, missed six games in 2013 and didn’t play at all last year. This season, he’s been unable to stay healthy. He played in the Falcons’ opening four games before getting injured in Week 5 against Washington. Since then, he’s missed three games and been below 100 percent for others.

Hankerson is just 26-years-old and is a talented player, and he certainly has a role in the Atlanta offense moving forward. But if he can’t stay healthy, the Falcons will have no choice but to find someone else who can stay on the field. Here’s hoping he gets back to full health and can avoid put in a strong finish to the season.