Falcons guard Andy Levitre heading to injured reserve, will miss 2018 season

The Atlanta Falcons have spent the last few seasons uncharacteristically healthy. As most football analysts will tell you, you should expect those outliers to revert to the mean. And boy is that reversion coming fast and heavy for the Falcons, who are out their starting guard.

We were expecting updates on a number of injured Falcons tomorrow, but I guess we don’t need to wait to Andy Levitre.

This is another huge blow to the Falcons, who have already lost Deion Jones for eight games, Keanu Neal for the season, and Devonta Freeman for an unspecified period of time. That is a TON of impact starters who will not be playing.

Levitre injured the same tricep injury that took him out early last season, and was quickly ruled out. This is the last year of his contract, and based on his injury history, may have played his last snap for the team. Levitre was a great addition years ago, but will be turning 33 next offseason. He will need to heal up to possibly get another chance with the Falcons.

Wes Schweitzer was in a tight race with Brandon Fusco for the starting guard spot, and actually looked fantastic replacing Levitre against the Carolina Panthers. There were questions if the former tackle would play better at left guard and with another season under his belt. It’s still early, but there is some reason for cautious optimism.

Offensive line depth was a problem before the season started, and any more injuries to the interior line will push Ben Garland into a starting spot. There are currently no other guards or centers on the 53 man roster, but former Alabama OL J.C. Hassenauer could be promoted from the practice squad.

As for the injuries to Devonta Freeman, Derrick Shelby, and Takkarist McKinley, we are still waiting for updates. Everyone cross your fingers.

We don’t generally believe in jinxes at the Falcoholic, but this tweet was not even two weeks ago.

Update: Per Jason Butt of the Athletic, the Falcons signed Zac Kerin, a guard who, I kid you not, replaced Brandon Fusco when Fusco was injured way back when for the Minnesota Vikings.