clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Falcons injury report: Matt Ryan, Austin Hooper, Devonta Freeman out on Wednesday

It will be a shock if either Devonta Freeman or Austin Hooper ends up playing this week.

By Jeanna.Kelley
NFL: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons were back at it in Flowery Branch today with the first day of practice leading up to this week’s tilt against the Carolina Panthers. They were missing a few big names on the practice field.

It’s no big shock that Austin Hooper and Devonta Freeman were held out on Wednesday. Hooper is dealing with an MCL sprain, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Wednesday the tight end is expected to be sidelined about four weeks. Quinn disputed that report, telling the media on Wednesday that the report was “not from our building,” so we’ll see. But I’ll be shocked if Hooper suits up this week.

It’s a similar story with Devonta Freeman, who is dealing with a foot sprain. Rapoport reported Monday that Freeman is expected to miss about two weeks with the injury.

Matt Ryan was also held out, but Quinn did note prior to practice that this is similar to the way they handled Ryan’s practice reps last week. He did participate in walk through, but did not take normal practice reps. After Ryan’s performance against the Saints, including a couple of big scrambles on that high ankle sprain, I’m not worried at all about his status for Sunday.

Aside from those big names, there are some other notable entries on the injury report. Damontae Kazee participated fully with a shoulder injury. Punter Ryan Allen was limited with an ankle injury suffered when a Saints player was flagged for running into his plant leg. I was initially afraid that was going to be an ACL or MCL tear, so even limited participation is a relief. Trufant was limited with the nagging toe injury.

Wes Schweitzer and Kemal Ishmael — both in the league’s concussion protocol — rounded out the list of players who did not participate on Wednesday.

Here’s the complete Falcons injury report for Wednesday. Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments.

Full Participation

  • #27 S Damontae Kazee (shoulder)

Limited Participation

  • #9 P Ryan Allen (right ankle)
  • #21 CB Desmond Trufant (toe)
  • #41 S Sharrod Neasman (hamstring)
  • #50 DE John Cominsky (ankle)
  • #80 TE Luke Stocker (knee)

Did Not Participate

  • #2 QB Matt Ryan (ankle)
  • #24 RB Devonta Freeman (foot)
  • #36 S Kemal Ishmael (concussion)
  • #71 G Wes Schweitzer (concussion)
  • #81 TE Austin Hooper (knee)

More From The Falcoholic