Justin Blalock Injury: Guard Will Test Back Today On Practice Field

Per the immortal Vaughn McClure, good news that doubles as bad news for this week's Giants game:

Looks like Falcons guard Justin Blalock's status for this week will depend on how his back reacts on practice field.

— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) October 1, 2014

With the carnage striking the offensive line this season, it's somehow fitting that Blalock would be the one guy left standing, and it's a gigantic relief that he's not joining Joe Hawley and Lamar Holmes on the shelf after exiting last Sunday's game. He's started every single game over the last six seasons, pairing fantastic durability with quality play. While there are always muted grumblings about Blalock's salary, his reliability and ability have made him the one rock on an ever-changing line, especially when Todd McClure retired.

That streak could be in jeopardy if his back isn't going to hold up, and back injuries are not welcome ailments for  300 pound offensive linemen. We'll have to hope he's able to practice without setbacks and help stabilize a depleted offensive line on Sunday.

If he can't go, the Falcons have an interesting decision to make at left guard. James Stone, Harland Gunn and Gabe Carimi are all capable of playing the position, while Carimi, Cameron Bradfield and Ryan Schraeder are options at right tackle. My guess is that Gunn would go, but we'll see what happens next.