The Atlanta Falcons will travel to Seattle on Sunday seeking their fourth consecutive win, but will do so without the services of starting inside linebacker Troy Andersen.
The team’s co-leader in tackles this season is dealing with a knee injury, and was ruled out on Friday for the third consecutive week despite being listed as a limited participant in practice. Fellow linebacker Lorenzo Carter also was ruled out with a concussion, while safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) and cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. (back) are questionable to face the Seahawks.
The good news is that pass rusher Matthew Judon returned to practice following a rest day, as did linebacker Nate Landman, who is dealing with calf and quad injuries. They were not listed on the final injury report.
Andersen, a 2022 second-round pick, is tied with Kaden Elliss with 44 tackles through Atlanta’s 4-2 start. He also has one of the Falcons’ five interceptions, which he returned 47 yards for a touchdown against New Orleans on Nov. 29 en route to earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He hasn’t played since.
Landman, who has 14 tackles this season, is in line for increased snaps along with Elliss and rookie JD Bertrand. James Smith-Williams, who has 18 tackles to Carter’s 15, is expected to step in to a starting role, with Arnold Ebiketie seeing more time as well.
Simmons, one of the team’s key offseason acquisitions, has 23 tackles and an interception. If he is unable to go Sunday, 2021 second-round pick Richie Grant likely would start alongside Jessie Bates III.
Seattle enters Sunday’s game 29th in the NFL, averaging only 96.5 rushing yards per game. That includes quarterback Geno Smith contributing 146 of the team’s 579 yards through six games.
–Field Level Media
