Lofa Tatupu Injures Pectoral Muscle

UPDATE: Tatupu is now scheduled for a visit with the infamous Dr. James Andrews on Monday, which rarely seems to happen unless the injury is serious. Cross your fingers.

The injuries are starting already, and training camp hasn't even begun.

First it was Matt Hansen, who tore a tendon and was waived/injured so he can be placed on injured reserve. Now the linebacking depth chart may just take another hit, with Lofa Tatupu injuring his pectoral in a workout on Friday.

We literally have no idea how severe this is, because the Falcons aren't saying anything until early next week. Until then, we just have to cross our fingers and hope for the best.

If Tatupu is going to miss any significant time, whether it be training camp, pre-season or even into the season, then Akeem Dent is going to get first crack at the starting job. Dent is probably the coaching staff's long-term preference for the position regardless, but I have a hunch they were hoping Tatupu could be a bridge for a year while Dent continues to learn the ropes.

Even if Dent is ready and impresses, losing linebacker depth is never a good thing. Let's hope Tatupu's back in action and ready to compete soon.