Injury Bug To The Atlanta Falcons: We Meet Again

Coming out of training camp in 2018, the Atlanta Falcons were the healthiest team in the National Football League. Analysts marveled at how Atlanta escaped sever injuries that plagued every other team in the pre-season.

By week four of the 2018 season, the Atlanta Falcons and injury bug were practically dating. They had lost Devonta Freeman, Keanu Neal, and Ricardo Allen to season ending injuries. And Deion Jones was on injured reserve, returning well after any meaningful games were left.

Derrick Shelby and even Josh Harris, the long snapper, made a trip to IR.

It’s what every fan pointed to as the reason for the first losing season under Dan Quinn. It’s what made you tear your hair out and shout an expletive every time a play should’ve been made, could’ve been made, or would’ve been made if the starters were in.

Surely, the football gods would smile on us this year.

Wrong.

This time, it started before game one, before minicamp, before training camp. At voluntary OTA’s. Down goes Steven Means, torn achilles, out for the 2019 season.

Now, Means wasn’t exactly a game changer last year. He only played in eight games and accounted for 14 tackles. But after losing Bruce Irvin to division rival Carolina Panthers, Means meant depth.

Another body to step in after defensive players missed a combined 81 games last year. Another defensive end in case Vic Beasley doesn’t repay Coach Quinn for his faith.

But worse, it’s a hit to the psyche of the fanbase and maybe the team. Not again. Season ending injuries happen in the offseason all the time to all teams. The Redskins have already lost Reuben Foster.

And who can forget how the Falcons lost an entire season after Michael Vick was lost during a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.

But with Means gone, the pressure shifts to the Falcons front office. They didn’t sign anybody last near capable of replacing their starting safeties and it showed.

Rarely in life do you get a second chance, but they’ve got one now. So, best wishes to Means and his recovery, but to the Falcons front office, balls in your court now.