FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Falcons (4-2) will seek their fourth-straight win on Sunday when they take on the Seattle Seahawks (3-3) at 1 p.m. ET in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Seattle has lost its previous three games heading into the weekend, so the Seahawks are sure to be locked in as they attempt to reverse their recent trend. The Falcons will need to be locked in as well if they hope to keep their win streak alive.
Entering the weekend, Atlanta will be down a pair of defensive starters. Linebacker Troy Andersen, who was named the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against the Saints, will miss his third consecutive contest due to a knee injury. In his absence, Kaden Elliss, Nate Landman and rookie JD Bertrand will be the primary trio at inside linebacker. Ladman made his return to the lineup last weekend against Carolina and forced two fumbles against the Panthers.
Also ruled out for Sunday's game is outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter, who entered the league's concussion protocol this week. He presumably did not clear that protocol in time for this weekend's matchup. With Carter out of the lineup, Arnold Ebiketie figures to see increased snaps. Ebiketie, who has four quarterback hits and one tackle for a loss, has played just over 41% of the team's defensive snaps this season, while Carter has played just north of 50% of the snaps.
The other key injury to keep an eye on involves starting safety Justin Simmons. The former All-Pro sustained a hamstring injury in the win against Carolina and has been limited in practice throughout the week. His presence could be crucial against the league's most productive passing attack. If Simmons were to miss the game, Richie Grant would likely fill his role alongside Jessie Bates III in the defensive backfield.
Reserve cornerback Antonio Hamilton is also listed as questionable for Sunday's game due to a back injury that has limited him in practice this week. He is a versatile depth piece for Atlanta, who could also play some safety if needed in a pinch. So his questionable status, coupled with Simmons', could stress the Falcons' depth on Sunday.
Here is the full injury report from Friday's practice:
Full Participation
- N/A
Limited Participation
15 OLB Matthew Judon (not injury related – rest)
33 CB Antonio Hamilton Sr. (back)
31 S Justin Simmons (hamstring)
44 ILB Troy Andersen (knee)
53 ILB Nate Landman (calf/quad)
70 T Jake Matthews (not injury related – rest)
76 T Kaleb McGary (not injury related – rest)
95 DL Ta'Quon Graham (not injury related – rest)
Did Not Participate
0 OLB Lorenzo Carter (concussion)
90 DL David Onyemata (not injury related – rest)
97 DL Grady Jarrett (not injury related – rest)
Friday, Oct. 18 – Game Report
Questionable
31 S Justin Simmons (hamstring)
33 CB Antonio Hamilton Sr. (back)
Doubtful
- N/A
Out
0 OLB Lorenzo Carter (concussion)
44 ILB Troy Andersen (knee)
You can check out the Seahawks' injury report here.
