Falcons-Panthers post-game injury update: noteworthy injuries on both sides of the ball

Today was fun. It's nice to see the Falcons win back to back games, and even at 4-6, first place feels good. But it was a physical game, and there were injuries. Let's break those down.

Robert Alford messed up his elbow in the first quarter. He was replaced by Robert McClain, who would later give up a 47 yard touchdown reception to burner Philly Brown. As inconsistent as Alford has been, he's a better option than McClain. He didn't play for the rest of the game. Let's hope that's not an indication of a serious injury.

Jonathan Babineaux tweaked his knee in the first quarter. The knee injury had him listed as questionable to return, but he came back pretty quickly, playing ferocious football. It seems Babs is fine.

Devin Hester was taken to the locker room with a wrist injury. Hester wasn't 100 percent at the beginning of the game anyway, and the Falcons were using Eric Weems in 4 receiver sets. He was grabbing at his forearm after a big hit that forced a fumble. For what it's worth, it doesn't appear that he hurt it the hockey-style brawl. The Falcons listed him as questionable, but he eventually made his way back to sideline. Per Vaughn McClure, it's a sprain to the same wrist he broke in high school.

Devin Hester appears to have a sprained wrist. Will get more tests tomorrow. Broke the same wrist in high school

— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) November 16, 2014

Antone Smith got banged up late in the game as well. He was helped off the field by two of the team docs. You could tell he didn't want the help, wanting to get himself off the field. He's been playing great football this year, and it was nice to see him jump in a scrum in defense of Roddy White today. In short, he's been earning that captain badge. It was initially described as a knee injury and his return was deemed questionable. Unfortunately Smith left the locker room on crutches, and it appears the injury is to his right knee.

Your thoughts?