We are on the last day of 2020 and we are also days away from the Atlanta Falcons final this season. Let me explain if you are confused with the title. Due to a positive COVID-19 Test, the Falcons did not practice on Thursday, but the team presented an estimated injury report ahead of Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Thursday’s official practice report:
FULL PARTICIPATION
- DE Steven Means (hand)
- C Matt Hennessy (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
- RB Ito Smith (rib)
- DE John Cominsky (shoulder)
- LB Foye Oluokun (single)
- G James Carpenter (reads)
- DT Marlon Davidson (knee)
- TE Luke Stocker (elbow)
NO PARTICIPATION
- WR Julio Jones (muscle)
- CB Darqueze Dennard (quadruple)
- WR Brandon Powell (foot)
- DE Charles Harris (personal matter)
If you think this report looks identical to Wednesday’s practice report, you are not entirely wrong. The one change is that center Alex Mack, who missed last week’s game due to concussion and was restricted on Wednesday, has been removed. Mack was added to the team’s reserve / COVID-19 list on Thursday morning, which is not a good sign for his availability for Sunday’s final.
A lot of people expect this to be Mack’s last season in Atlanta, so it’s a terrible way to see him go out. With Mack likely out on Sunday, expect to see rookie Matt Hennessy again who will get another chance to prove he’s the team’s future in midfield. Many will tell you that he did not have a phenomenal game against the Kansas City Chiefs last week, but you have to keep in mind that this was his first start in his right position, and that the Chiefs have a fairly experienced defensive front. I’m excited to see him get another chance.
Prosperous and happy new year, everyone!