Alex Mack injury: Dan Quinn admits to concern with center’s status, but he should play

Alex Mack was hurt against the Green Bay Packers, but I figured with a couple of weeks of rest and Dan Quinn screaming healing mantras right in his face, the star center would be ready to go for the Super Bowl.

Well, about that.

This is obviously not a great sign just a handful of days before the Super Bowl. Mack was a godsend for the Falcons this year, offering excellent protection and leadership in the middle of an effective offensive line, and if he couldn’t play or was limited, the entire offense is going to take a bit of a hit. While I suppose that’s within the realm of possibility, the reality is there’s no way the Falcons are going to keep Mack off the field, and I doubt he’ll be hobbled enough for the team to consider taking him out. If Quinn’s at all concerned, though, I’m going to be a bundle of nerves regardless.

If Mack does need a breather, it’ll be up to amusingly effective defensive tackle and backup center Ben Garland to handle the load. With any luck, though, this concern from Quinn won’t mean much of anything, and Mack will be the center all game as the Falcons cruise to a Super Bowl win.