The Atlanta Falcons cannot get a break when it comes to injuries. The NFC South leaders have been dealing with issues to some of their top players all season as their offensive line and secondary have been decimated with season-ending injuries. Things continue to get worse as several offensive weapons remain in and out of practice. Last week it was Julio Jones while this week it is Roddy White getting listed as questionable.
White has not been practicing for most of the week due to an ankle injury and has been listed as questionable for the Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Mike Smith told the media that he expects White to be fine for the game and could possibly return for Friday practice if things went well. White confirmed that he expects to be playing on Sunday as well and the ankle injury was not serious.
That is welcomed news to the remainder of the offense. The Falcons have been dealing with a foot injury to star No. 3 receiver Harry Douglas. He has missed a good portion of games this year. Devin Hester has also been on and off the field with knee and hamstring problems. Quarterback Matt Ryan needs the entire group at full strength if the Falcons expect to stay at the top of the rankings. With the offensive line struggling as rookies have been inserted as starters, having targets like Jones and White healthy and running at full speed will be crucial.
The offense has stalled with the loss of Antone Smith for the season. The Falcons opted not sign a free agent, putting their hope in the resurgence of Steven Jackson and rookie Devonta Freeman. The Falcons' rushing unit is one of the worst in the NFL, but things have picked up in the past two weeks. Jackson notes that the loss of Smith is certainly significant, but something the team can overcome.
"Personally, I'd like to do a little more catching the ball out of the backfield," Jackson said, via ESPN.com. "Antone always did a good job coming in on a third down situation, catching the ball out of the backfield and making a big explosive plays for us in the open field. It's one of those things that we all looked forward to seeing -- Antone doing his thing out of the backfield. I know I can step up. The saying is "the more you can do, the more you help the team," and that is an area where I would love to show my value to this organization."
