Atlanta Falcons will play without a key starter Sunday
By Ikaika Hall
![ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 12: Dez Bryant ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 12: Dez Bryant](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fbloggingdirty-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F12-2F873360828-dallas-cowboys-v-atlanta-falcons-jpg-850x560-48cb816fda4cf8cc7f56582d0e4f39f090d2dcdc2aa6754c5578eac1b7f7ca71.jpg)
Atlanta Falcons will have their toughest challenge of the season thus far this Sunday, as they take on the Minnesota Vikings. And that challenge just got tougher because the Falcons will be missing a key starter.
On Friday it was announced that Atlanta Falcons corner back Desmond Trufant will not play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Trufant suffered a concussion in the Falcons Week 12 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Oddly enough, his concussion was received at the hands of teammate safety Keanu Neal. In attempting to tackle a Vikings player, Neal mistakingly hit Trufant, creating the concussion.
Dan Quinn has ruled CB Desmond Trufant out for the game on Sunday
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) December 1, 2017
Trufant’s absence will certainly be felt, as the Falcons take on a tough Vikings offense. Minnesota’s receivers and quarterback are currently ranked amongst the best in the league. Atlanta’s secondary will need to step-up in Trufant’s absence.
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On the other side of the ball, Falcons running back Devonta Freeman is returning from concussion protocol. Freeman’s return comes at a time the Atlanta offense is beginning to gel and find it’s rhythm. If Freeman is able to seamlessly fit into the Dirty Bird’s offensive momentum, his return could present a major challenge for the Vikings.
With their playoff hopes on the line, it is important that Atlanta extends their winning streak to four games. Minnesota, who is currently one of the NFC’s top playoff seeds, is playing excellent football and riding a wining streak of their own. Will the Falcons secondary be able to stop the Vikings just enough to allow the Atlanta offense a chance to win the game?
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If the Dirty Birds can win against this tough Vikings team without Trufant, the NFL may want to take notice, because it would then truly appear that the Falcons are for real.