clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Falcons send OG Andy Levitre to injured reserve with torn tricep; Ben Garland is up

Atlanta’s left guard won’t get a chance to play in the playoffs, but impressive backup Ben Garland gets his shot.

By Matthew Chambers
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons
Gratuitous butt shot.
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

We expected the worst, and the Atlanta Falcons quickly made a roster move to send Andy Levitre to injured reserve. Levitre had been trying to play through a tricep injury, but aggravated it early on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. This ends his season.

We would be a little worried, but backup Ben Garland has shined while replacing Levitre. Garland has been a monster in the run game, and has been Atlanta’s top rated offensive player by Pro Football Focus multiple times. Garland is definitely an upgrade over an injured Levitre, and may be an overall improvement if he can keep it together with his pass blocking. He starts out with the tough task of slowing down Aaron Donald.

The Falcons have held onto Terrence Magee when injuries piled up at running back, but the team hasn’t reported any injuries. If he’s active, they may use Magee on special teams.

More From The Falcoholic