Falcons injury update: Derrick Shelby ruled out for Buccaneers game; Devonta Freeman dealing with two injuries

The Falcoholic is turning into the Injuryupdateaholic. We’ve noticed a pretty consistent trend for player injuries: Dan Quinn expresses vague optimism early in the week about injury progress, those players don’t practice, and they are all ruled out by Friday.

We covered the news that Devonta Freeman and Grady Jarrett were ruled out yesterday. Tevin Coleman is a great backup so Freeman’s loss isn’t a huge deal, especially as it gets impressive rookie Ito Smith more touches. Jarrett doesn’t have anyone in his league. Deadrin Senat has been awesome, but he was already starting at tackle. That leaves the likes of Jack Crawford, the other Michael Bennett, and Terrell McClain to fill in.

As we saw against the Pittsburgh Steelers, we need Jarrett back. Speaking of problems along the defensive line, Derrick Shelby was ruled out too.

Here’s the defense update.

Woof.

Shelby may bring very little in pass rush, but he’s a very good run plugger. Atlanta could definitely have used his help, and it is a little odd he is already ruled out despite being limited in practice this week. My guess is he should return by next week, but any chance of the post-season may be long gone by then.