FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons coach Raheem Morris confirmed Wednesday that two defensive linemen injured in last week’s loss to the Saints won’t play Sunday against the Broncos.
Ta’Quon Graham (pectoral injury) and James Smith-Williams (upper body injury) will not only miss the Broncos game, but are likely headed to injured reserve. Graham was injured in the second quarter of the 20-17 loss and Smith-Williams went down on the first play of the third quarter.
“TQ you’ll see it later, but not great,” Morris said. “We’ll have to make some significant changes there. More than likely you won’t see him this week…we’ll put the report out and what it’s going to be. Not feeling great there like I mentioned before. We probably won’t see those guys.”
Graham has played in all 10 games. He has played 193 defensive snaps (29%) and made 12 tackles and had a quarterback hit.
Smith-Williams has played in all 10 games and made five starts. He has played 306 defensive snaps (46%) and made 24 tackles, seven tackles for loss and had two quarterback hits.
“Obviously, you’ll miss James and TQ both,” Morris said. “You’re talking about a real physical presence (in) our run game, a real physical presence with our rush and with our push. A real physical presence without hustle and effort.”
Meanwhile, outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter (concussion) is expected back from injured reserve and could play in Denver. He had his 21-day activation period opened on Wednesday. Another possible option vs. Broncos - rookie defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus, the fourth-round pick from Oregon who has yet to play a down this season.
“The possible emergence of Dorlus,” Morris said. “We are hoping to get back Zo and some of those people this week. ... We’ve got a bunch of different options that we can do. Obviously, potentially open those different windows and those things this week.”
Linebacker Troy Andersen, who was playing his first game since Sept. 29, aggravated his left knee injury. He’s expected to play this week, according to Morris.
Center exchange: The 21-day return to play window for center Drew Dalman is getting close to running out. He suffered an ankle injury.
He period was activated on Oct. 30.
Ryan Neuzil has played well in his place.
“No controversy,” Morris said. “Dalman is the starter if he’s ready to go.”
First-down fever: Falcons wide receiver Drake London has made 36 first downs on his 58 catches.
Darnell Mooney has made 33 first downs on his 46 catches. Ray Ray McCloud has 16 first downs on his 35 catches. Tight end Kyle Pitts has 16 first downs on 34 catches.
“Kirk does a great job of spreading the ball around,” Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said. “We’re designing plays to go certain places. Sometimes it works out exactly like you hope.”
Running back Tyler Allgeier (two on eight catches), wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (two on three) and tight end Charlie Woerner (one on two).
“We are trying to just spread the field,” Robinson said. “Try to use everybody’s talents the best that we can. Obviously, the triggerman is the one that makes it all go. He’s done a great job of spreading it all around and just finding the open guy.”
Practice squad: The Falcons re-signed wide receiver/returner Jakeem Grant to the practice squad and released linebacker Tyreek Maddox-Williams.
Grant signed with the Falcons in August, but suffered a hamstring injury and reached an injury settlement with the team.
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