Atlanta Falcons: Svitek out for the season (updated)
Vivlamore reporting from Flowery Branch.
Will Svitek, the Falcons backup left tackle, will miss the upcoming season after sustaining an upper right arm injury.
The injury occurred during Sunday’s practice, the final of training camp, and coach Mike Smith made the announcement Monday.
“It’s bad news for Will,” Smith said. “…We’ve cross-trained some guys [at different offensive line positions] early on. It’s something we’ll have to adjust to and start cross-training some more. One man’s misfortune is another’s opportunity.”
Svitek was entering the final year of his contract worth $1.751 million. He served as the primary backup to Sam Baker, protecting quarterback Matt Ryan’s blind side. Svitek started the final 11 games last season, including the playoffs, at the position following injuries to Baker.
That leaves the Falcons with Mike Johnson and rookie Lamar Holmes as the primary backup to Baker. Johnson is the backup at right tackle. Holmes, a third-round draft pick, has not played in either exhibition game this season after missing most of the offseason with a broken toe. Smith said Holmes would see significant time in the third exhibition game, Friday at the Dolphins.
Smith would not say whether the Falcons would add a player to the roster to replace Svitek.
“We’ve got a lot of time and effort invested in the guys we have on our roster and I wouldn’t speak to any roster moves based on what happened [Sunday] to Will,” Smith said.
- Chris Vivlamore
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123 comments Add your comment
First time Season Tix Holder
August 21st, 2012
12:46 pm
@ Grim Reaper
You’re doing exactly what SeenThisB4 wants….You are reacting to his over the top rhetoric. You should just stop reading this blog.
godoggo
August 21st, 2012
12:51 pm
Haven’t read all the comments, but it may be a “partial/fully torn bicep muscle”…..which he would need to get those BEhemoth DL’s off him and Ryan. A good friend in College had that happen one time….it’s a beotch. Like an Achilles’ tear…just time is needed for fully healing
Ken
August 21st, 2012
1:00 pm
Every RDE in the NFL is happy to see Wuss Baker at LT… If i was Matt Ryan I would demand they put Clabo at LT and try Holmes at RT….Matt it is your live and job you got to make the move NOW..Matt dont get hurt because the coaches and GM want to make their BUST HIGH draft choices look good…
DC Dirty Bird
August 21st, 2012
1:31 pm
Maybe B-more will cut Bryant McKinnie and he can come in on another one year deal like he did for them. We’ll draft a LT next year so we won’t have to worry about him griping over money.
Perspective
August 21st, 2012
2:20 pm
@Mikey (10:50 comment) — Well said. :applause:
I would also like to add that this is a TEAM game and these guys are not on an island (sorry, even you Revis). A game plan can be implemented to help whomever it is that replaces Will on that side… or even Baker for that matter.
This is easily accomplished by double teaming the rush from that side by shifting a tight end or fullback to that side to either chip or max protect. They only down side is you limit to some degree the options in the play book and the other lineman will need to step up their game. If they are as cohesive a unit as they need to be, then they will take the steps to look after one another and get the job done. If anything, I would be more concerned with making sure they have improved at the RG spot. This way as long as their is a pocket to step into, Ryan will be fine.
Mr. Hankey
August 21st, 2012
2:40 pm
Not much to say, really. I’ve already bought season tickets. That’s my fault. Ryan goes down and we’re all f’ed Svetek or Baker or Holmes or McGillacutty. It don’t matter. I hate to say it but I think Holmes is another bust. If he’s this biig of a pooh-bag over a broke toe I can’t imagine what he’ll be like once he gets a good lick put on him.
Charlie Murphy
August 21st, 2012
4:43 pm
Some expect Holmes to be a starting LT and IMO that is a big expectation for a 3rd RD draft pick. 1st RD picks bust, 3rd picks either exceed reasonable expectations or end up career backups. Even if Holmes can not fill the role of career swing tackle, he may stick as a backup guard. IMO 3rd RD picks don’t bust. A bust is someone you draft to be a starter and they struggle to even be a backup. If Holmes becomes a starting LT then great but anybody expecting a 3rd RD pick to be a starting LT year 1 or 2 in the NFL is just not being realistic.
Ken
August 21st, 2012
4:56 pm
No need to worry Falcon fans there is bound to be quality backup lineman cut by a team that the Falcons can add to the roster. Obviously Holmes is hurt and should not be rushed into action until he fully heals if the Falcons do not have him on the PUP list you can expect him to be healthy enough to play at least by week 3 so just relax and enjoy the wonderful season all of us LOYAL FALCON FANS have been waiting for!!
Charlie Murphy
August 21st, 2012
6:01 pm
If Holmes is not fully healed why did Coach say Holmes will see “significant playing time in this weeks game”?
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August 22nd, 2012
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August 22nd, 2012
8:46 am
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D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 22nd, 2012
9:16 am
Charlie Murphy — Sometimes in the NFL, you have to play with some discomfort. The rule is, if there’s no risk of re-injury, then you need to be out on the field.
Mikey
August 22nd, 2012
9:40 am
DLED… I’ve played football with nearly every bone in my body broken (confirmed by orthapedic surgeons). I’ve never however had a broken toe and I thank God for that because everyone I know who suffered that injury missed serious time on the field. It isn’t a matter of pain; it is a matter of operability… you just just can’t seem to get sufficient strength to hold a tough block or to accellerate. Oh, I did break my neck too and that did cause me to miss a little time… almost as bad as a toe.
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August 22nd, 2012
11:15 am
[...] Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season [...]
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August 22nd, 2012
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D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 22nd, 2012
11:22 am
Mikey – The toe is tough. Especially turf toe. That forced the great Jack Lambert to retire.
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August 23rd, 2012
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