Robert Alford is dealing with an ankle injury with Falcons-Redskins looming

The Giants absolutely shredded Robert Alford, but even in a bit of a down year, that’s the exception to the rule for #23. He’s still one of the team’s most talented cornerbacks and a player the Falcons will rely on until they see the wheels coming off.

That’s why it’s concerning to see that Alford might not play this week, even if the Washington offense doesn’t really have the weapons at receiver to punish Atlanta for that. If Alford can’t go—and he’s not ruled out yet, just looking shaky to play—Isaiah Oliver will step in and get the start for him. Oliver needs that experience, and it’s a plus matchup for him, if nothing else.

I don’t mean to sound cavalier about the potential loss of Alford, because I know Oliver hasn’t looked ready for primetime yet and Washington could still theoretically take advantage of that matchup. It’s just that it’s probably the best one for Alford to miss if he has to miss any, and the Falcons still thankfully have Desmond Trufant and Brian Poole healthy, plus Blidi Wreh-Wilson in reserve.

In additional news, Matt Bryant still isn’t practicing in full yet. We’ll see if he can get back to practice tomorrow and suit up against Washington, or if Giorgio Tavecchio will get another week to endear himself to Falcons fans.