Atlanta Falcons injuries: Key player returns while another will be missing

Another week in the NFL means that some players will return to the field while others will be held out, and that is certainly the case for the Atlanta Falcons as they take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Every team has its injuries, it is about how those teams cover up their losses that determine whether they contend or not, no doubt that Atlanta has struggled to do so during the past few years, but they will have to buck that trend to beat Miami.

Falcons will gain a key player just as they lose another on the other side of the ball

Let’s start with the good news, Russell Gage will seemingly play for Atlanta for the first time since week two against Tampa Bay.

It is time for Gage to step it up, he has been rather disappointing even when he is on the field. He has a total of five catches for 28 yards in the 87 snaps he has played this season. For sure, not the type of production many expected to see out of him.

Adding to the fact that they get Gage back, they will also likely have Erik Harris, Marlon Davidson, and Calvin Ridley available. That is a lot of snaps that were missing from key players.

Now for the bad news, starting with Kaleb McGary. McGary was placed on the Covid-19 list recently, and while Arthur Smith did say there is a chance that he could be taken off the list in time for the game—do not count on it. This means the right tackle position might find a way to play even worse this week.

Punt returner and slot cornerback Avery Williams is doubtful for the game. He has been forced into more action than anyone could have expected with the season-ending injury to Isaiah Oliver. So, with Williams likely being out, it has a bigger impact than just on special teams.

The biggest news of all is that Dante Fowler Jr. was ruled out and was subsequently placed on injured reserve. This means he is out for at least three weeks, a big blow to the pass rush that could not afford any bad luck.

Certainly not the news anyone was looking for, but if there are any positives from Fowler being out, it is that we will get to see more of the exciting rookie Ade Ogundeji. He has been making an impact on every snap he has received and plays harder than anyone.