Injury Report: Falcons Coach Releases Official Statement as Troy Andersen and Grady Jarrett Clash with Raiders
Atlanta, GA – December 12, 2024
The Atlanta Falcons are facing some key absences as they prepare for their Week 15 showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. In their first official injury report leading into Monday Night Football, the Falcons have confirmed that linebacker Troy Andersen and defensive lineman Grady Jarrett will not participate in Thursday’s practice due to injuries.
Troy Andersen Out with Knee Injury
Linebacker Troy Andersen, who played in the Falcons’ recent loss to the Minnesota Vikings on December 8, was listed as absent from practice on Thursday. The 25-year-old is currently battling a knee injury that has plagued him for much of the season. Andersen had previously been on injured reserve for five weeks after suffering the injury in a game against the New Orleans Saints on September 29. His absence is a significant blow to the Falcons’ defense as they prepare for the Raiders.
Head coach Arthur Smith commented on the situation, stating, “Troy has been working hard to manage this knee issue, but we’re being cautious with him to make sure he’s fully recovered. We’ll continue to monitor his progress as we get closer to game time.”
Grady Jarrett Dealing with Unspecified Injury
In addition to Andersen, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett was also absent from Thursday’s practice, although the nature of his injury has not been specified. Jarrett has been a key player for the Falcons’ defense over the years, and his potential absence could be a significant loss for the team’s defensive front.
The Falcons have not disclosed whether Jarrett’s injury is related to the previous injuries he’s dealt with this season or if it is something new. Smith mentioned, “Grady’s a tough guy, and we’ll see how things develop over the weekend, but we’re staying focused on preparing the team as best as we can.”
Other Notable Injuries
In addition to Andersen and Jarrett, the Falcons’ injury report also noted several other key players. Rookie receiver Casey Washington, who has been sidelined due to a concussion, did not practice Thursday. Washington, a sixth-round draft pick, suffered the head injury during the Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos and was ruled out of the Week 14 matchup with the Vikings.
Receiver Darnell Mooney (foot), linebacker Matthew Judon (rest), defensive lineman Zach Harrison (Achilles), and rookie defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro (ankle) were all listed as limited participants in practice. Orhorhoro remains on injured reserve and has just 13 days left to be activated, or else his season will officially come to a close.
Despite these injuries, safety Jessie Bates III (shoulder) and tight end Charlie Woerner (wrist) were both full participants in practice, offering some relief to a Falcons team already dealing with a number of injury concerns.
Looking Ahead to Raiders Game
The Falcons, sitting at 6-7, will take on the struggling 2-11 Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Monday night. The game presents a critical opportunity for Atlanta to keep their playoff hopes alive, but with key defensive starters potentially sidelined, it will be a challenge.
“We’re adjusting, and we know we have to find a way to get it done with the guys we have available,” Coach Smith said. “It’s the next-man-up mentality, and we’ll be ready to compete.”
The Falcons will continue to monitor Andersen’s and Jarrett’s injuries leading into the weekend, with more updates likely to come before game time.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Falcons prepare for Monday’s game.
