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A funny thing happened after I watched the Atlanta Falcons lose to the Kansas City Chiefs today. I had been sitting on my couch in the basement, yelling at the television. I quickly glanced at my Twitter feed and thought the worst. I walked up stairs, walked to the front door, opened the front door, and looked up. But it wasn't happening. Contrary to popular belief, the sky was still up there. It wasn't falling. But alas, there were injuries. Let's break them down.
Julio Jones was seen receiving some treatment after an impressive game-opening drive in the first quarter. Jones racked up 52 receiving yards as the Falcons went to him early and often. (In fact, the game's first three plays were Jones receptions.) He also came off the field later in the first quarter after Eric Berry manhandled him and drew a defensive pass interference penalty. Jones played in the second half but was noticeably absent as the Falcons were trying to retake a lead in the fourth quarter. Late in the fourth quarter we learned that he suffered what was described as an "ankle injury." He was basically trying to work through the issue on his own, without any assistance from the training staff. Dan Quinn called it a "lower body injury" but Jones seemed pretty upbeat and optimistic about it after the game.
Jake Matthews injured his left knee in the second quarter when Justin Houston unintentionally stepped on the back of his left leg. He walked off the field but looked to be favoring his left knee or calf. The trainers fit him with a sleeve for his left knee and he initially kept his helmet on while receiving treatment on the sideline. The Falcons deemed him questionable to return and he headed to the locker room before the end of the second quarter. Tom Compton replaced Matthews and played poorly.
Ricardo Allen was banged up late in the fourth quarter. He was trying to deliver a big hit and was hobbled after the play.
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