The Atlanta Falcons’ first injury report before their Week 9 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys consists of several key players.
Three players did not participate in Atlanta’s practice Wednesday, headlined by All-Pro right guard Chris Lindstrom. The Falcons were also without a pair of rookies in second-round defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro and fifth-round linebacker JD Bertrand.
Lindstrom suffered a knee injury in the third quarter of Sunday’s 31-26 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but Falcons coach Raheem Morris said postgame he was cleared to return. Lindstrom said in the locker room afterwards he expected to be fine for the Cowboys.
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Bertrand (concussion) and Orhorhoro (ankle) also sustained injuries against Tampa Bay. Orhorhoro exited the game in the third quarter and did not return, and his status for Sunday appears bleak, according to Morris.
“We’ll have to see a little bit more, see what’s going on in the day,” Morris said Wednesday. “Not looking great.”
Atlanta had seven players limited. Some, like safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) and linebacker Troy Andersen (knee) were expected, as they’ve been battling pre-existing injuries for multiple weeks and did not play against Tampa Bay.
Others, however, are a touch more interesting to monitor.
Linebacker Kaden Elliss injured his knee vs. the Buccaneers, and while he returned the following drive, he was limited Wednesday. Nickel cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. has endured a back injury for several weeks — he was active against Tampa Bay and “made it through the game fairly well,” Morris said.
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Two others — outside linebackers Matt Judon and James Smith-Williams — were limited due to rest.
Perhaps the most encouraging inclusion on the Falcons’ injury report is center Drew Dalman, who was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday and participated in his first practice since suffering an ankle injury against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3.
Dalman’s 21-day practice window is open, and he appears to have a chance to play against the Cowboys.
Atlanta (5-3) and Dallas (3-4) will kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The group stage of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is nearly over, but not before the Democratic Republic of the Congo takes on Uzbekistan at Atlanta Stadium.
For DR Congo, this last match is extremely important. The team remains in contention for a spot in the knockout round with its one point. Uzbekistan has an extremely slim change of getting to the round of 32 following its loss to Portugal earlier this week, but a massive win could change all that.
This is the second time DR Congo has competed in the World Cup since 1974, when it was called Zaire. The team qualified after winning a playoff tournament in Mexico.
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How to watch DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan
Date: Saturday, June 26
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
TV (English): FS1
TV (Spanish): Peacock (Telemundo/Universo)
Streaming: Universo, FOX One, FOX Sports app and website
FIFA Fan Festival Atlanta
What: FIFA Fan Festival™ Atlanta
Where: Centennial Olympic Park
Time: 2 p.m. to Midnight
The free general admission tickets for Saturday have sold out, but guests can purchase tickets to the festival on its website.
The San Francisco Giants welcome the Atlanta Braves to Oracle Park tonight to begin a three-game series.
As of the time this is being written, the Giants have not yet announced a starting pitcher. I assume that means that the last resort left for this season is the element of surprise. But check the comments below for more up to date information.
Whoever it ends up being will face off against Braves right-hander Reynaldo López, who enters tonight’s game with a 3.50 ERA, 4.62 FIP, with 39 strikeouts to 21 walks in 43.2 innings pitched. His last appearance was in relief in the Braves’ 9-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, in which he allowed one unearned run on one hit with three strikeouts and a walk in three innings.
Who: San Francisco Giants (33-47) vs. Atlanta Braves (48-31)
