Falcons vs. Texans inactives: Kenjon Barner, Kenny Stills out

We knew the Falcons were dealing with some big injuries before the inactives even came out. Matt Bosher was sent to injured reserve, and Jamon Brown was ruled out with a concussion. Early reports were Alex Mack would play, but now he’s playing next to struggling James Carpenter and constant injury-filler Wes Schweitzer. That’s great news for J.J. Watt and the Texans’ defensive line.

There’s some bad news here. First, Kenjon Barner is not healthy. He showed out pretty well as a returner, but now his reps will be split between Mohamed Sanu and Justin Hardy. That’s less than preferable. Blidi Wreh-Wilson is a very underrated corner. The Falcons will definitely miss that depth. No other surprises as Quadree Ollison and Deadrin Senat are inactive for the fifth time this season. It looks unlikely either player will make any real impact this season.

Kenny Stills was knocked out of Week 4 with a hamstring injury and was not expected to play. Free safety Tashaun Gipson had wrists and hip injuries, but practiced most of the week. The Falcons dodge Stills but Gipson is returning. Considering the team’s atrocious cornerback situation, they need all the help they can get. Deandre Hopkins and Will Fuller should be a big enough handful. Also Logan Paulsen got another job? Odd to see him inactive considering the team’s offensive line problems.

Not much good news for the Falcons ahead of a must-win game in Houston.