FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga — The Atlanta Falcons have ruled out inside linebacker Troy Andersen for their game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday due to a knee injury. Andersen did not participate in Atlanta's practices throughout the week, and he was officially listed as out on the team's game report that was released Friday.
This is the second game Andersen will miss after sustaining a knee injury during the Falcons' win against the New Orleans Saints in Week 4. He was named the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Saints, which included 16 tackles and a pick-six.
There is some potential good news for the Falcons linebacker corps, though. Nate Landman, who went on injured reserve prior to Atlanta's Week 2 game against Philadelphia due to calf and quad injuries, logged three limited practices after being designated to return from IR on Monday and is listed a questionable for Sunday. If Landman is able to suit up against the Panthers, he would likely resume his starting role from last season alongside Kaden Elliss. If Landman is not able to play, rookie fifth-round pick JD Bertrand will likely see increased snaps for the second week in a row.
Andersen and Landman were the only two players listed in Atlanta's game report, which is a sign that the Falcons are fairly healthy heading into Week 6.
Some news that plenty will find reassuring: Both running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Darnell Mooney practiced fully on Friday after being limited in Thursday's session due to a hamstring and knee injury, respectively. Cornerback Dee Alford also logged his second consecutive full practice after starting the week in the league's concussion protocol.
You can view the Falcons' and Panthers' weekly injury reports ahead of Sunday's game here.
