The 7-9 Atlanta Falcons are in 3rd place in the NFC South, and their playoff hopes are still alive. They can clinch a playoff berth if Atlanta defeats New Orleans and Carolina defeats Tampa Bay.
Atlanta’s defense has kept them alive in the playoff hunt. Their defense allows the 10th-fewest points, the 11th-fewest yards, the 6th-fewest yards per play, the 8th-fewest total first downs, the 8th-fewest passing yards, and the 14th-most rushing yards.
Atlanta opened the practice window of their 2nd-year linebacker.
The Atlanta Falcons designated their starting linebacker for return
The Falcons designated Troy Andersen for return from injured reserve. Andersen has a 21-day practice window before he can be elevated to the active roster. If he doesn’t practice or the team chooses not to activate him in that time frame (depending on whether they can make a deep playoff run), he will miss the remainder of the 2023 season.
Andersen suffered a serious injury in Week 3
Andersen suffered a serious shoulder/pectoral injury in their Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions and was placed on injured reserve.
Andersen appeared in two games. He had 19 tackles, one for a loss, one quarterback hit, 0.5 sacks, and four missed tackles. He went 7/9 for 49 yards, zero touchdowns, an 89.4 passer rating allowed in coverage, and a 50.6 PFF Grade.
Who was his replacement?
Nate Landman has taken over for the injured Andersen. Landman has done a good job filling in for him. He has 100 tackles, six for a loss, four quarterback hits, two sacks, one interception, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. He is 27/40 for 246 yards, one touchdown, a passer rating of 81.9 allowed in coverage, and a 74.2 PFF Grade.
Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen has been impressed with Landman’s work ethic and leadership:
“Guy is all over the place,” Nielsen continued. “He’s a good leader. He’s in the huddle. Last week, we were out there, and him and Jessie [Bates] a couple of times before we went out on the field, getting the guys hyped up and ready to go. He does all of those things for us. This is pretty cool with where he started in OTAs and things that he was doing has just transpired into what you’re seeing right now. He’s just kept working.”
Will Troy Andersen play this week?
Although he was designated for return on Wednesday, he doesn’t plan on playing this week. Here’s what he had to say about potentially playing:
“No, I’m just kind of getting out there and running around,” Andersen said. “No immediate plans to play.”
He likely was designated for return just in case they clinch a playoff berth and make a deep playoff run, which likely won’t happen.
