Brent Grimes to have knee surgery on Thursday
Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes (20) of the NFC, right, celebrates with Arizona Cardinals strong safety Adrian Wilson (24) of the NFC after Grimes made an interception during the second quarter. AP
FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes, who went to the Pro Bowl last season as an alternate, is set to have surgery on his right knee on Thursday.
Falcons coach Mike Smith said that the “procedure” would cause Grimes to miss a couple of weeks.
Grimes was having a strong campaign. He’s sixth on the team in tackles with 37, according to the coaches’ file review stats. He also has 12 passes defensed, an interception, forced fumble and three special teams tackles.
Also, cornerback Kelvin Hayden (dislocated toe) is “very doubtful” for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.
Dominique Franks is set to start at left cornerback and move inside when the Falcons play nickel. Christopher Owens will move to left cornerback in the nickel.
Owens and Franks were competing for the third cornerback spot in training camp and have been linked in their quest for playing time.
Owens cracked the lineup briefly, but mostly they both have been relegated to playing on special teams. But that’s about the change for both of the former high draft picks.
Because the Falcons play more than 50 percent of the time in the nickel defense, both players are considered starters by the coaching staff.
Owens won the training camp battle and opened the season as the nickel back. He suffered a concussion against Green Bay and Hayden took over.
Hayden was playing well and was awarded a game ball for his showing against his former team, the Indianapolis Colts. He appeared to have the position locked up until he suffered a toe injury against Tennessee.
Owens, who was picked in the third round of the 2009 draft, had a strong rookie season and finished the season as a starter at left cornerback. He had a bumpy second year which ended with his bad outing in the playoffs against Green Bay.
“He played better on Sunday,” defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder said. “But it’s been an inconsistent year for him. Again, he did play better and we’ve just got to get keep working on improving each and every week.”
Franks, a fifth round draft pick in 2010, played 58 snaps against the Vikings.
“I think that he’d be the first to tell you that he had a number of mistakes,” VanGorder said. “He’s a very good athlete and a smart football player. He’ll take the experience from Sunday at correct some things and keep improving.”
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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88 comments Add your comment
MrATL
November 30th, 2011
4:15 pm
We are going to miss Grimes a lot, but I think Owens may have rediscovered his confidence last week against the Vikings. He should be ready to go.
FP
November 30th, 2011
4:20 pm
Hopefully it’s really only a couple of weeks.
Aziz
November 30th, 2011
4:22 pm
I think Grimes is the best player on our offense. If he is going to miss 2-3 games, I think he picked the right time for it with a relatively easy schedule for falcons until we face New orleans.
Falcons 4 Real
November 30th, 2011
4:22 pm
That hurts especially when you’re playing against arguably the best receiver in the league. I’m confident Owens and Franks will be up to the task. Rise up!
Aziz
November 30th, 2011
4:22 pm
I meant defense, ofcourse – Add special teams in there too..
Hollywould
November 30th, 2011
4:27 pm
Ouch, although it is at a good time.
3rd down efficiency is overrated
November 30th, 2011
4:41 pm
No excuses. Houston is on their 3rd QB. We need to and should win handily.
Terrance
November 30th, 2011
4:43 pm
This is a huge loss. Grimes is arguably are best cover corner. He has regressed this season by dropping easy interceptions. If you were to ask me, I would shift Robinson over to safety. He doesn’t possess the speed as he did once before because of an prior knee injury. His physical play fits the criteria of a safety. I don’t see Decoud being are starter at safety next season.
Die Hard Falcon
November 30th, 2011
4:44 pm
As long as he’s back for the aints game, we should be able to weather the storm. Although, despite the 3-8 record, the Panther game is the scariest one to me. I think if we shut down the Texans running game, we’ll win that and the Jags are in disarray, so the Panther game is scariest to me, Grimes usually covers Steve Smith too. Next man up!
Go Falcons!!!
jay
November 30th, 2011
4:46 pm
wow, he was having a very good season too.
Injury Bug
November 30th, 2011
4:46 pm
Nibble Nibble Nibble- Another one bites the dust . Ho ho ho
mountain_jim
November 30th, 2011
4:51 pm
Falcons twitter reporter said ‘a few weeks’ rather than ‘a couple of weeks’
http://twitter.com/#!/Atlanta_Falcons
I wonder which Coach Smith said?
Juggernaut
November 30th, 2011
4:52 pm
cry frailcons cry..
Go texans !
Rikus
November 30th, 2011
4:56 pm
Juggernaut are you serious? How’s your QB situation looking?
Not good
November 30th, 2011
4:56 pm
Well, luckily we are playing a rookie QB. Still this is NOT GOOD. . .
Rikus
November 30th, 2011
4:58 pm
We’ll miss Grimes sorely. I sincerely hope that the procedure goes well, and that this issue doesn’t linger for him. I hate to see any of our guys get hurt, and he’s one of our best. Come back soon, Optimus Grimes — we’ll need you for the Saints game!
railman311
November 30th, 2011
4:58 pm
bummer
Injury Bug
November 30th, 2011
4:59 pm
The meltster might as well be a rookie too! Maybe it’s him going in for a “minor” procedure next week after the Texans D gets done with him!
P B Orr
November 30th, 2011
5:00 pm
Yeah, classy comment Juggerbutt. How’s that old QB situation coming along for you? Our LBs and #2 run defense will have a few greetings for your new boy on Sunday. Y’all take care now, ya hear?
Injury Bug
November 30th, 2011
5:01 pm
The Saints? You better worry about the Texans right now and after what I saw Monday night , the Saints are going to demolish you probably worse than we will!
mark
November 30th, 2011
5:03 pm
damn hard blow to the secondary i hope crisp owens can step up as he did on sunday and play tight man, no easy zones we playing againts one of the best ever but if we shut down the run we should get an easy W, if he is back to play vs NO we are good!
Big Man
November 30th, 2011
5:05 pm
Lol at Grimes being “arguably” our best corner…..he’s a top 5 corner in the league.
YeahI said it!
Olde Fan
November 30th, 2011
5:15 pm
Too bad – Grimes plays all out, with a lot of heart. He’s one of my favorites. I hope he mends quickly. We need him.
CGD..
November 30th, 2011
5:16 pm
Oh no!!!!!!! Trap Game?
Wrong
November 30th, 2011
5:18 pm
Franks almost lost the game last week by himself. Blew coverage and let a LB cover a TD then lost track of the ball on a punt which as a turn over. Falcons need to seriously spend more money on corners this offseason.
BC
November 30th, 2011
5:23 pm
To think Brett Grimes will be a easy substitution is crazy. I would take Mr. Grimes over Duante’ Robinson in terms of importance to the secondary, every game-day!
Injury Bug
November 30th, 2011
5:30 pm
I’m still deciding who I’m gonna bite next sunday. May the meltster? Hmmmmmmm
gcs
November 30th, 2011
5:32 pm
$@#%!
ATL Observer
November 30th, 2011
5:39 pm
Split the next two games and beat Jacksonville and this can be survived. But lose him for any more time than that, and you’re talking about an insurmountable problem.
JSS
November 30th, 2011
5:47 pm
Asked our esteemed beat writer how bad the Grimes knee was right after when it occurred following the Titans game. Did they give you the old Foxoborough Shuffle with a bunch of denials and some hemming and hawing? TD and Jeff Fish strike again!!!
ohhhYEAH
November 30th, 2011
5:48 pm
CGD
I dont believe this is considered a trap game at all. Its the best defense in the league right now, and the team thats tied for the best record in the AFC. Granted theyve been playin the Colts, Jags, and Titans, but still, a very good team. Not a very hard one to get up for. They know they gotta work their butts off.
and injury thug, take the trolling somewhere that unintelligent people such as yourself might appreciate it. Thanks
hiramsaint
November 30th, 2011
5:49 pm
even if he does come back ,it takes 3 weeks to be back in football shape and by that time you’ll be watching the saints in the playoffs
Mave2124
November 30th, 2011
5:50 pm
Ouch, hope nothing but the best for Optimus Grimes. We will now find out how 24 and 21 will hold it down…in the middle of a playoff run. Tough to miss your top CB, but GM TD will find out if he found some talent in 24 and 21.
ohhhYEAH
November 30th, 2011
5:51 pm
hiramsaint
for once im not gonan give you a hard time. Bc if Breezy keeps that $#!* up then not even the “Mighty” Packers have a chance against NOLA
ohhhYEAH
November 30th, 2011
5:52 pm
and yes WE, the fans, will be watching the Aints in the playoffs, bc as it stands now, we will be playing you in the first round
Injury Bug
November 30th, 2011
5:52 pm
Nibble nibble nibble- I’m getting them 1 by 1 and this Sunday , I’ll get me one more. Hard to make it to the post-season with back-ups playing all over the field. Ho ho ho
hiramsaint
November 30th, 2011
5:54 pm
i see – going for 0-3 are you ? sorry though , it won’t be us as we’ll have a first round bye
ohhhYEAH
November 30th, 2011
5:57 pm
also very possible. Preferable for me really. Id rather take my Chances with Green Bay out in the cold in the second round
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
6:00 pm
Seems Atlanta always steps up when they have a key player get injured so why let it worry anyone now ? The Team rallies when this happens so deal with it.
hiramsaint
November 30th, 2011
6:02 pm
to be truthful and serious- anyone is gonna have to go thruogh lambeau in the col and that doesn’t bode to well for dome teams . anyone can slip {rams} -maybe green bay will have one of those off days at the right time and make it easier for all of us!
hiramsaint
November 30th, 2011
6:03 pm
whats up mikey? hope your day went well—see contrary to popular belief , i can be nice
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
6:05 pm
Shaking my head here……Somebody put something in your gumbo besides the gum !
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
6:08 pm
You know it wouldn’t surprise me if we all get fooled and our teams lose and somebody like the Bengals win it all out of the blue…just a thought ,, words of caution , we all shouldn’t get our hopes and expectations too high cause anything can happen down the road injury wise and in football one week to the next is not that predictable.
hiramsaint
November 30th, 2011
6:12 pm
could happen but i’m being optomistic. if we can do 3/4 of what we did monday , then i feel good and we only have 1 more away game in the reg season. haven’t checked your schedule. besides us , who do have left?
tidog
November 30th, 2011
6:13 pm
Owens had a nice td saving tackle but the guy has shown he’s not ready for prime time. I feel Franks would be a better fit for the starting role until Grimes is back and Owens continues his nickle back role. Owens effort is exceptional but the cover instincts aren’t that good.
JSS
November 30th, 2011
6:16 pm
Now this was a funny moment… Hello Pot… Well Hi Kettle… Now read this statement: “Granted theyve been playin the Colts, Jags, and Titans, but still, a very good team.” Last three Falcons opponents were the Colts, Titans, and Vikings (3 teams with 8 lil teams between them), have mercy!!!
JSS
November 30th, 2011
6:18 pm
Wins that is, I was still laughing… I’m so sorry…
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
6:19 pm
Well I am expecting Atlanta to go to Texas and play like that game is a playoff game..whether they do or not remains to be seen but I don’t believe the Texans can score that many points with a 3rd string QB on the field but they have a heck of a defense to play against.
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
6:22 pm
I cant laugh at nobody’ football team really Saints like to lost a Tight End Monday night..I didn’t think that guy was going to get up from that killer hit he took.
hiramsaint
November 30th, 2011
6:24 pm
yeah i’m seeing a lot of run from them which plays into your hand but watch out , yates could fool you
tidog
November 30th, 2011
6:25 pm
JSS whats your point the Falcons are playing the AFC south and NFC north this season. They still have to win 10 to 11 games for the playoff picture who cares about what the opponents record is.
hiramsaint
November 30th, 2011
6:27 pm
i was worried ’till he got up and kept going. dude never played football ’till his senior year at miami. gonzo had some really good stuff to say about him. he’s got almost 800 yds recieving already and a t.e. looks like brees has another go to guy
ohhhYEAH
November 30th, 2011
6:32 pm
JSS
i realize that, but my point was, we dont play any of those teams TWICE. they play all three twice
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
6:33 pm
I don’t think the Giants guy hit him that way on purpose though , that Suh player on the Lions needs to take anger management classes because he is seriously going to hurt a player if they fail to get him under control.
JSS
November 30th, 2011
6:33 pm
The point is that you can’t question the quality of another teams opponents when two of the three opponents are the same… Moreover, the Vikings are akin to playing the Jags who you’ll get soon enough… The Falcons or their fans can’t take shots at other teams schedules…
JSS
November 30th, 2011
6:37 pm
This is also a point that fans lose sight of when trying to slight other teams… They’ve only played one of those teams you mentioned twice, Jacksonville. And they won that game on the road with a 3rd string QB…
hiramsaint
November 30th, 2011
6:39 pm
well , he’s one guy we don’t have to worry about sunday night and that can only make it a hair easier for us.
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
6:41 pm
Atlanta has 3 rookie quarterbacks coming up in games to play and two against the vet quarterbacks.
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
6:43 pm
yeah thats right you got the Lions Sunday night..I hear them roaring now ! Better watch out this may be a trap game for you ! lmao
JSS
November 30th, 2011
6:43 pm
But then you get Carolina twice too… Wow!!! Oh, but they put the fear of god into at home…. Every division has those teams… And by the wonders of the NFL (Tampa, Miami, and St. Louis) have whipped a number of these so-called elite teams…
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
6:50 pm
If the playoffs ended today, the seeds in the NFC would be: 1.) Packers 2.) 49ers 3.) Saints 4.) Cowboys 5.) Bears 6.) Falcons.
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
6:52 pm
f the playoffs ended today, the AFC seeds would be: 1.) Texans 2.) Patriots 3.) Ravens 4.) Raiders 5.) Steelers 6. Bengals.
rainman
November 30th, 2011
6:56 pm
We cannot beat Green Bay or New Orleans unless we have three quality starters at CB. Robinson, Grimes, and Hayden could foot the bill, but will they get healthy soon enough for us to make the playoffs — and do something if we get there?
1. The Gods really gave us some love this week — playing a team without an NFL QB (albiet a good overall team).
2. We need W’s to make the playoffs, but now is the time to see if Owens or Franks can cut the mustard.
3. I wish I knew more about Hayden’s toe, but it sounds like he may be back after this week.
4. The ’surgery’ word is never good, but when Smith says he may be out a couple of weeks – that is good news and means he’s getting a scope procedure. Even if it’s 3 weeks – as long as we can win 2 of 3 – we should be OK.
5. It will probably boil down to our final two games … N.O. on the road Monday night and Tampa at home.
6. IF we make the playoffs AND Grimes, Robinson & Hayden are healthy (plus either Franks or Owens has shown something) – AND Moore, Sanders & DeCoud are all ‘good to go’ — our secondary might be good enough.
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
7:03 pm
Not sure about this , but if Atlanta does make the playoffs they may have to face Saints again down there…Atlanta might beat them down there one time but two times down there , you can forget that one!
So pick your poison, a Win in the regular Season and lose in playoffs
or a loss in regular Season and Win in playoffs.
ohhhYEAH
November 30th, 2011
7:06 pm
JSS
Pretty sure i also said even regardless of their schedule theyre still a damn good football team, so maybe try and start $#!* where you actualyl have a point?
ohhhYEAH
November 30th, 2011
7:08 pm
actually*
JSS
November 30th, 2011
7:16 pm
I didn’t try start a thing, I said it was a ludicrous statement to make “regardless” of the intent… There’s only one team playing in that game on Sunday who has beat a team the quality of the Steelers. Yep, that would be the Texans…
hiramsaint
November 30th, 2011
7:17 pm
that playoff game would be one for the history books.- atl and n.o. , both contenders :finally} and against each other in the playoffs . gotta go for awhile mikey – see ya later
CGD..
November 30th, 2011
7:21 pm
OHnooooooo, Texas is working with their 3rd string QB if ya haven’t heard yet Genius!
Remove the stick and again wash yours hands for a change…..
That is all..
ohhhYEAH
November 30th, 2011
7:25 pm
CGDumba$$,
I actually DID hear theyre playing Yates, which has absolutely nothing to do with how good their defense is little guy. But hey, thanks for the useless fact
CGD..
November 30th, 2011
7:26 pm
One more thing the Falcons are favored Sunday Genius!
But your a smart azz know it all OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOO……….
ohhhYEAH
November 30th, 2011
7:29 pm
clearly i know more than you do if you think this is a throwaway game just because they have a backup to the backup starting. Yeah thats an advantage for us but guess what….THEY STILL HAVE THE BEST D IN THE LEAGUE. youre not really that slow are you?
CGD..
November 30th, 2011
7:36 pm
Facts are facts.Your welcome too..
Joe Tess Fish House
November 30th, 2011
7:38 pm
HAHAHAHAHA!!!! If Bret Grimes if UR best player then U dummys R in truble! Hes 5 ft 6 and 130 lbs. That just go 2 prove my point the Flacons make 2 many misteaks when drafting players.
ohhhYEAH
November 30th, 2011
7:38 pm
Pretty sure i havent said anything that wasnt factual. So……not exactly sure why youre telling me “youre welcome”…..because i already knew Yates was starting? Or because i already knew we were favored? Or maybe because i knew Houston has the toughest D in the league? So yes, everything i said was indeed factual. Thank you for agreeing
CGD..
November 30th, 2011
7:57 pm
Everybody understood what I was implying by using the term “Trap Game” with a question mark for added drama…
I guess if you where a fish you would have fileted for dinner! lol
CGD..
November 30th, 2011
7:58 pm
been^
Short guy wearing a tight dress
November 30th, 2011
7:59 pm
Who is this CGD.. and why is he so damn handsome?
Wanna date?
CGD..
November 30th, 2011
8:02 pm
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
6:41 pm
Atlanta has 3 rookie quarterbacks coming up in games to play and two against the vet quarterbacks.
Guess its looking pretty sweet for ya right about now Michael?.. These rookie QB’s are going to get the Falcons primed and ready for a deep run in the Playoffs? Can only hope?
Ueeediot Always
November 30th, 2011
8:10 pm
Add your comments/two cents
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
9:28 pm
Or they going to score a lot of touchdowns on the Falcons and look like Superstars against them ! I decided to stay silent and go with the flow from week to week and play it one game at a time because at this stage of the game anything can happen to the Falcons and any other team in the run down the road to the playoffs.
Michael M.
November 30th, 2011
9:40 pm
Wise man once said better to be humble than stick your foot in your mouth and bite off your own toes ! Texans are not in first place because they was lucky to get there, thats a real good football team down there and a tough place on the road to play so with that said I rest my case for the night …………………………..later taters !
Firsttimer
November 30th, 2011
9:56 pm
This hurts. Honestly not comfortable with Owens or Franks. Opposing OC’s jobs just got a little easier. Find those two and throw their way. I don’t see Grimes returning in two weeks. We must turn up the heat with our pass rush.
Boo Brees
November 30th, 2011
10:10 pm
Nope, not a trap game. The Falcons will take it serious. I won’t but they will.
Anyways, Falcons win and continue their push towards the playoffs yada yada yada….
Mike is back
November 30th, 2011
11:14 pm
Dled, my apologies I found the right blog.
MAN, the injury to Grimes…could have devastating consequences to pass coverage…I have been chomping at the bits…to see Franks play…but not like this…Grimes has been playing lights out…he is a Man amoung Men.
I feel good about Franks…Franks got the making of a Super Star…However, I’m gon have to trust Mike Smith on Owens. I was at the Viking game…I ain’t convince on Owen…dude played for Missouri…he gotta show us more than what we’ve seen.
All I can say is keep Owens and Decoud…off the same side…pleaaaaaaaaase!!!
Stick a folk in that Secondary..
December 1st, 2011
12:18 am
To sad,To sad, Grimes is gone
Tell it like it is.
December 1st, 2011
9:58 am
If the failcons can’t win without grimes in the lineup,then they don’t need to make the playoff anyway! The strenth of a good team is how thier backups perform.all teams have injurys this time of year,the good teams move on,the bad teams fade away.
ATLbound
December 1st, 2011
10:46 am
My 11 year old son is a huge Brent Grimes fan. Talk about being an underdog!!! The kids plays with heart. Does anyone know where I can get a Grimes falcons jersey?????