The Falcons may have lost two of their starters during the game, but still managed to pull off an upset win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
Tight end Austin Hooper hurt his knee and running back Devonta Freeman went down with a foot injury. Both players will have MRIs on Monday to determine the severity of their injuries, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
#Falcons TE Austin Hooper, the NFL’s leader at his position with 56 catches, is getting an MRI on a knee injury suffered Sunday source said. Hooper is expected to miss some time, but the MRI will determine how much. Atlanta could be without Devonta Freeman & Hooper this week.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 11, 2019
#Falcons RB Devonta Freeman was initially diagnosed with a foot sprain, source said, and he’ll have an MRI today to determine the extent of it. Coming off a dominating win over the rival #Saints, this will be watched closely.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 11, 2019
Atlanta hasn’t gotten a ton out of Freeman this season, while the running game as a whole has struggled to find room behind the team’s new-look offensive line.
Backup Ito Smith was just placed on the injured reserve last weekend, so keep your eyes on Brian Hill and Kenjon Barner to get some extra work.
Hooper, on the other hand, was having a breakout year. Through nine games, he was on a career-best pace with 56 catches, 608 yards and 6 touchdowns. Even if the injury causes him to miss time, he is probably on his way to a earning a hefty new contract with the Falcons or someone else in the very near future.
Hopefully, Atlanta won’t be without its star tight end for very long as he’s been one of the few bright spots this season.
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