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

THE LATEST NEWS

Coordinators hand out their exhibition mid-term reports; backups need to step it up

Running back Michael Turner still a weapon

Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season

Falcons finally get fiesty in practice; a couple of fights breakout

Akeem Dent returns to practice; will play against Miami

OTHER NEWS

Dominique Davis in hunt for No. 2 quarterback position

GAME STORY: Bengals 24, Falcons 19

SIDEBAR: Matt Ryan won’t call himself an elte QB after completed 18 of 21

Asante Samuel admits to relaxing on A.J. Green’s touchdown catch

A.J. Green and Julio Jones shine in exhibition game

VIDEO: Matt Ryan, Lousaka Polite featured after loss to Bengals

VIDEO: Post game presser with head coach Mike Smith

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123 comments Add your comment

falconsrus

August 20th, 2012
4:17 pm

Jesse

August 20th, 2012
4:19 pm

Lamar better be the real deal…..

Falcons4life

August 20th, 2012
4:21 pm

What left tackle is still available because Sam Baker scares me

Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired

August 20th, 2012
4:22 pm

This is NOT GOOD!!!! Hopefully they will try to find another OT from the waiver wire because Sam Baker is definitely not it.

JC Boscan III

August 20th, 2012
4:24 pm

Uhhhh, that’s not a good thing. Time to scavenge the waiver wires??

Fanatic Falcon Fan (F3)

August 20th, 2012
4:24 pm

huhhhhh? Arm???
So, we are left with Sam Baker, an injured 3rd round pick,and prayer???

JAYCOOL

August 20th, 2012
4:27 pm

WTF we need him! This is not good news at all.

Mister.Earl

August 20th, 2012
4:30 pm

NFL football is facing a new reality with injuries. Forget the concussion troubles for a moment, players are injured at an alarming rate due to the violence and speed of the game. 300 pound OLinemen are the norm where 225 was once considered large.

The equipment has not kept pace with the ferocity of te game. In one local example, The New Orleans Saints have no fewer than five linebackers on injured reserve or in serious treatment.

Only the teams that have quality depth will survive

Unfortunately, the Falcons are not one of them.

Spud Webb

August 20th, 2012
4:32 pm

Waiver wires for a left tackle??? NOT GOOD….join the many, many teams that need one, Jets, Steelers, Falcons, Eagles, Cardinals….

TD critic

August 20th, 2012
4:35 pm

A team that is going to the Super Bowl signs Lofton.
We trained him and now the Saints will be the ones to benefit.
Akeem Dent will prove to be the better linebacker?
He better be if TD wants me off his back.

W. R. Terrell

August 20th, 2012
4:36 pm

Let’s not panic about the backup left tackle and backup is the keyword. We may not be pleased with Sam Baker but the offensive line coach has brought in a new blocking scheme that may be suited more to Sam’s strengths There’s competition going on in this camp, it’s a make or break season for coaches and players. The left takle position will be key but so are all the “O” line positions. Lets see what good coaching can do to inspire great competion whereas a star is born and if that fails then we pick up good news with a trade or 2nd hand news via the wavir wire.

Trainwreck

August 20th, 2012
4:39 pm

That’s no good. Wish Svitek the fastest recovery possible for whatever the upper arm injury is. Hopefully Sam is ready to step up. Not great news but good teams find ways to get past things like this.

Falcons Girl

August 20th, 2012
4:40 pm

Mister. Earl – shut up…seriously…

Mister.Earl

August 20th, 2012
4:40 pm

WR Terrell – nice try. Coaching and schemes are no substitute for talent.

The Falcons drop off with their reserves is significant and the whole league knows it.

Two more pre season games to go.

Ouch.

buckhead benny

August 20th, 2012
4:42 pm

D. Orlando- Now you see what I have been giving you hell for the last couple of weeks of why this high third round pick hasn’t touched the filed yet?? Dude you need to be on the field as a high third round pick period- with the amount of underclassmen that come out each year its like a second round pick now….

Mister.Earl

August 20th, 2012
4:42 pm

Falcons Girl – I feel your pain. The truth hurts.

“Don’t shoot me, I’m only the piano player”

Mister.Earl

August 20th, 2012
4:45 pm

One more thing Falcons Girl – what part of what was written bothers you so much that you feel the need to censor my opinion?

Is this America?

Just Sayin.....

August 20th, 2012
4:45 pm

Superbowl huh?

True Falcon Fan

August 20th, 2012
4:47 pm

This news is NOT good!

TD let’s fire-up the Jet – someone is out there we need to sign a backup for Baker!!!!!

Go Falcons!

Michael M.

August 20th, 2012
4:57 pm

Its the shock of another injury M.E, they don’t want to hear it but its the way it is……….

Falconfan85

August 20th, 2012
5:06 pm

Any word on Merrimen ? Heard he was released by Bills. Would like to see in a Falcons Uniform.

BoDawg

August 20th, 2012
5:14 pm

Bakers health concerns me, not his ability.

Coach Bob

August 20th, 2012
5:14 pm

Every team suffers injuries, good teams persevere mediocre teams do not.

Coach Bob

August 20th, 2012
5:16 pm

Yes, the word on Merrimen is that he is washed up.

Big Crimson 75

August 20th, 2012
5:25 pm

Time to see what Holmes is all about.
3rd round picks must contribute.
Baker is playing well this pre-season.
The Falcons will only carry 8 Linemen during the Season, so Svitek was actually a cut-candidate.
Baker, Blalock, McClure, Reynolds & Clabo project to start. The back-ups are likely Holmes, Konz & Hawley. Mike Johnson & the president Andrew Jackson are likely/hopefully done!

CaliDirtyBird

August 20th, 2012
5:27 pm

@ TD Critic
Lofton has a high ankle sprain… That is likely to keep him out much longer than the concussion to Dent… Thank God TD is the GM and not you!

Ken

August 20th, 2012
5:30 pm

OH NO NOT BAker at LT.. The worse OT in the NFL.. The saddest person on the team right now has to be Matt Ryan! My prays are with you Matt. Coach move Clabo to LT and put the Rookie Homes at RT.

Cleveland Ave Turk.

August 20th, 2012
5:32 pm

Yeah this will hurt….But keep ho pe alive. I got a feeling Sam Baker Is going to step up this year. ITS TIME TO CLOSE RANKS FALCONS NATION AND STAND BEHIND OUR TEAM. LETS GET IT!!!!!

Ted

August 20th, 2012
5:33 pm

Let the usual O-Line excuses begin.

SirReal

August 20th, 2012
5:36 pm

W.Terell- Sorry but the glass just isnt half full in this situation my friend. Baker’s garbage and everyone on this blog knows it.

Well thats gonna make for an interesting adjustment. Hopefully Holmes will give us something. We’re definitely stuck with Baker now…I dont see many good LTs out there looking for work. Thats probably why they arent committed to the waiver wire right about now. If only Marcus McNeill was healthy enough…..

I agree that the harsh reality is guys get hurt. Its a very violent sport…may not seem that way when many of us fans are enjoying our beverages on the couch or at the game but the hits hurt and wear the body down. I wish him a speedy recovery. Many a day we forget these MEN are human beings with families,etc.

Gamer

August 20th, 2012
5:37 pm

ARE YOU KIDDING, ANOTHER STARTER INJURY………IS THE FALCONS SEASON DISINTEGRATING DURING PRESEASON?

WHAT THE INJURY BUG CAMPING OUT AT FLOWERY BRANCH?

WHO IS FALCONS PHYSICAL TRAINER?

NO MORE INJURIES, PLEASE……

FALCONS ON THREE, DOMINATE….

tt44

August 20th, 2012
5:45 pm

Uh oh! Here we go! The Falcons MUST get a replacement…I always thought Johnson out of Ala..will make a mark..but, remains to be seen..come on Johnson! Go Falcons!

Peter

August 20th, 2012
5:45 pm

This brings us back to the comments Chuck the King Oliver stated many times…….the Falcon’s have very little in the way of NFL back ups, mostly guys who would not make other NFL teams rosters.

This season is not starting out well for the falcon’s.we have already seen how the second unit fares against two teams, and it has not been pretty.

Jean Claude Killy

August 20th, 2012
5:48 pm

Its all Jeff Fish’s fault,, right JSS

[...]  Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season [...]

Seen This B4

August 20th, 2012
6:00 pm

@Esquire: See, you didn’t need a whole to expend a whole lot of patience did ya? Karma’s a beetch isn’t it?!

Stepchild

August 20th, 2012
6:02 pm

Trent Cole of the Eagles can’t wait to play against Sam Baker again!

Michael M.

August 20th, 2012
6:05 pm

Seen…..you gonna make em mad over here………………………………..

single white dove

August 20th, 2012
6:06 pm

Sam Baker is weak. I was surprised that the falcons didnt try to pick up a pro-bowel caliper player in the off season.

single white dove

August 20th, 2012
6:08 pm

@Seen This B4

August 20th, 2012
6:00 pm

If it wasnt for a hurricane that destroyed New Orleans, The saints would not of won a super bowl.

Another Rick

August 20th, 2012
6:08 pm

single white dove

August 20th, 2012
6:09 pm

Caliber, sorry for the typo…

Seen This B4

August 20th, 2012
6:10 pm

Michael: I butchered up my last post….but my point got across.

Seen This B4

August 20th, 2012
6:13 pm

@Single White Dove: Okay. Sooooo, what’s your point?

Greg

August 20th, 2012
6:13 pm

I’ve been very hard on Baker’s performance in the past, but to be fair, Smith says he’s been injured continually. He also says Baker is healthy now. Maybe he will show us something this season. I do expect Dimitroff to pick up an OT from somewhere.

thouhtful

August 20th, 2012
6:14 pm

See this is what’s a matter with Coach Smith and TD! They are so busy trying to make their DRAFTS look good that they miss out on the true goal and that is to get to the SUER BOWL. Forget the effort invested!!! Go get guys who can make an impact. You need to protect Ryan, Turner etc. You need to have time to get the ball to the AllSta receiving corps you have. It is not o your roster stop playing with Blank’s money. If you fall short of the PLAYOFFS you will loose confidence of the people. Stop it right now, go get the best players you can, PLEASE!

Seen This B4

August 20th, 2012
6:16 pm

@Single White Dove: LOL! So, you correct your error with the word caliber, but you don’t touch the word “bowel”. …..Of course, you probably did mean to use the word bowel!

Michael M.

August 20th, 2012
6:23 pm

Whats your team’s injury report status STB4 ?………………………………slim, dim and getting grim ?

single white dove

August 20th, 2012
6:23 pm

My point is your team is not as bad as you would like them to be. It also took a natural disaster to get the Saints a World Championship. Not by their own accord.

single white dove

August 20th, 2012
6:25 pm

@Michael M.

August 20th, 2012
6:23 pm

Dont think for a second that Sean Peyton wont be coaching the team from a remote site. With the technology that is present, it is possible.

single white dove

August 20th, 2012
6:26 pm

@STB4,

Maybe the Falcons could win it all if we had a volcano eruption?

LOL At The Aints

August 20th, 2012
6:30 pm

Michael M.

August 20th, 2012
6:31 pm

I wouldn’t doubt it one bit , but whatever ……………….

old qb

August 20th, 2012
6:36 pm

Before the preseason began I predicted a 9-7 record for the Falcons. Hey, I love the Falcons, but behind the starters they’re paper-thin–especially at linebacker. Svitek wasn’t an all-pro, but he was adequate. I don’t think Smitty or Sam Baker really knows if Baker can handle left tackle even if he is healthy. So behind Baker we’re supposed to look to our third round pick, Holmes. He hasn’t played in even a preseason game, he’s a rookie, and the experts all thought he was a real reach in the draft. So, if Baker goes down Holmes could end up getting Ryan decapitated early on.
Of course, if there’s nobody to block on the left tackle spot we could just let the opponent’s defensive end run in untouched and throw one heck of a lot of screen passes to that side. Naaahhh, the other team’s coach would probably catch on to that one.
Personally, I worry about nagging injuries of Kerry Meier. He’s going to have to play at some point because Harry Douglas keeps getting injured and if anyone is keeping stats Ryan very rarely throws to him.
Dimitroff had better look on the waiver wire for a left tackle and a middle linebacker.

LOL At The Aints

August 20th, 2012
6:36 pm

Thanks,, I’ll be here all year,,, ya know,, if Lofton wasnt so Fat he probably wouldnt have sprained his ankle,, just a thought LOL,,,,,

Cbuck

August 20th, 2012
6:38 pm

Bills cut Merriman—Falcons sould sign!!

Michael M.

August 20th, 2012
6:48 pm

dam these injuries…………………………..enough already

Eagles and Pats in a little while…………………..

steven a smith

August 20th, 2012
7:06 pm

Lights out for Merriman!!!

SeenthisB4>singlewhitedove

August 20th, 2012
7:10 pm

Saints > FAILCANTS
FAILCANTS have NO SB RING
FAILCANT fans are a joke and delusional….yea, Katrina was the reason we won a SB, ghetto dwellers…

Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi

August 20th, 2012
7:13 pm

No worries everyone pray holmes will play like a boss just like he did with our beloved southern miss

MaxxFalcon

August 20th, 2012
7:22 pm

Best O-line lineup:

LT-Clabo, LG-Blalock, C-McClure, RG- Konz, RT- Reynolds

willie

August 20th, 2012
7:44 pm

The Svitek loss is not a huge one. There are plenty of other average OL out there. The problem is finding the good ones.

Mike Franklin

August 20th, 2012
7:52 pm

damned injuries this training/preseason have been worse than some we’ve had during an entire regular season. The gridiron gods are playing us to the last card… our boys either show up on every gameday or we’re gonna be dragging butt with the Aints.

Mike Franklin

August 20th, 2012
7:56 pm

Doggone (previous word censored) injuries are killin us.

BTW… since when did this paper start getting published in China?

CaliBirdFan

August 20th, 2012
8:03 pm

I think i’m just going to set my expectations really low this year. Everything is gravy after that. Go Birds!!!

Morten

August 20th, 2012
8:26 pm

A reliable source says yes that Sean Payton will locally be tied in to the communication system but will remain out of sight away from the stadiums.

jerry

August 20th, 2012
8:39 pm

If Baker can stat healthy for the season, no problem at lt.

DawgNole

August 20th, 2012
8:41 pm

TD critic
August 20th, 2012
4:35 pm

A team that is going to the Super Bowl signs Lofton.
We trained him and now the Saints will be the ones to benefit.
Akeem Dent will prove to be the better linebacker?
He better be if TD wants me off his back.
____________________

Somehow I don’t think TD knows or gives a crap whether or not you’re on his back.

mars

August 20th, 2012
9:10 pm

Oh my cow! I am so over the “is this America” nonsense. No one is trying to sensor you, Mr. Earl. You have every right to say whatever you want, no matter how stupid, just as Falcon Girl has every right to roll her eyes and implore you to shut the hell up. The shame of it is, I thought you were making good sense up to that point. Don’t be so thin skinned!

El Snipero

August 20th, 2012
9:24 pm

Mike “OUCH” Vick….

El Snipero

August 20th, 2012
9:24 pm

Who needs Matt choke Ryan when you can have Mike OUCH Vick…..LOL

El Snipero

August 20th, 2012
9:26 pm

Where’s that “CHOKE” character at?

I have a new name for him.

Insert his favorite Ex-Falcons QB’s name and put “OUCH” in the middle….

:lol: :twisted:

A Complete Blank

August 20th, 2012
9:51 pm

kingdaddy

August 20th, 2012
10:25 pm

Don’t panic yet Falcon faithful. We will field a good team and have a great year…

Whopper Dawg

August 20th, 2012
10:37 pm

The shape we are in continues to be amazing. And it is related to one thing and one thing only. TD continues to cling to Baker as the starter after years of proving he is not one, and that continues in preseason.

Why? Because he moved up to grab him and to jettison him and move on would be admitting a mistake. And it will cost the Falcons and Ryan this year.

sb

August 20th, 2012
10:48 pm

Bring back Jerry Glanville

Fred Macmurray

August 20th, 2012
11:10 pm

stb4 is a bit off his game lately,, I think he might just be a bit worried about his half A$$ Team,,

[...] Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season [...]

Fred Macmurray

August 20th, 2012
11:12 pm

So how is that Loften signing working out for ya stb4,, he’s fat and slow,, kinda like michael the worm burner turner,,, if we could get rid of his fat A$$ we might have a running game,,

Fred Macmurray

August 20th, 2012
11:13 pm

I wonder if Peria Jerry can play left tackle,,

Fred Macmurray

August 20th, 2012
11:14 pm

I mean,, Mike Smith is into cross training,, put his big over there and see if he can block someone,,LOL

Fred Macmurray

August 20th, 2012
11:15 pm

Gotta go,, time to put the boys to bed,,

Jerry Glanville

August 20th, 2012
11:16 pm

Michael M.

August 20th, 2012
11:21 pm

Hey Snipper…………….you are a little devil with the little smileys…………….hey CGD, shouldn’t be poking jokes at anyone or anybody’s team’s players………………………….” That’s just Dam right rude and remember what ya do to others will indeed one day shoot right back at ya…………but of course, some never think about it until it happens and then they usually remember someone told them, maybe it was a preacher, an old lady, your mama, or just a stranger, well , then, its a much higher power raining down on them because of the little old deeds they thought was so cute…………………. Smoke that in your next blunt …………………………………and thats a helofa wrap !

Surg

August 20th, 2012
11:40 pm

We gonna need those screens to be REALLY effective…lots and lots of screens…

PROUD TO BE A FALCON FAN

August 20th, 2012
11:57 pm

DL I remember the falcons was interested in Marcus McNeil. Do you know whats the status of him or if the falcons are keeping close tabs on him.

Eric C.

August 21st, 2012
4:03 am

Oh come on…it’s bad news for Will? That is the most we can get out of Smith? This is a HUGE loss for the Falcons and will likely cost at least 2 or 3 games. Cross-training? I hope Julio Jones can play LT.

Falcon James

August 21st, 2012
5:25 am

This is a tough break for Wil and the Falcons. We all have reason to be concerned. It seems like we are loosing several key positions to injury and havent even played the first game. I know this happens all the time in the NFL, but the Falcons were short on depth to begin with. Hopefully the rest of the line will step it up a knotch. What is Grady Jackson doing these days? Can he play offense?

Jimmy Crack

August 21st, 2012
7:07 am

Not exactly how Lamar would have scripted it, being thrown into the 3rd preseason game after not playing at all, but he is a fierce competitor so he will have balls out for this one.

Nativebird

August 21st, 2012
7:10 am

Surprise surprise….another injury on roster full of injuries. Anyone seeing a pattern here? And don’t even try the age old excuse of losers that “every team has these injuries”. This org for the last four years continues to suffer critical injuries to critical players. The is no question that the combination of Dimitroffs blond spot to injury proneness in roster/ draft building plus what has to be the worst record of strength/fitness/preparation training in the NfL continues to kill this franchise. For the last time folks: INJURIES CAN BE AVOIDED. And any team that has them at the rate of this team MUST look to the management team. Coaching staffs that parrot the old line of “bad luck” and “part of the game” are just excuse making losers.

Jimmy Crack

August 21st, 2012
8:20 am

Nativebird, in 2011, the Super Bowl winning Giants lost practically their entire secondary early into the season. The Bengals lost 3 top players two weeks ago in one half of a preseason game with one of their starters gone for the year. Here’s the latest casualty list in the NFL. Notice our total compared to other teams…

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/injuries

And a box of tissues for those crying jags.

PMC

August 21st, 2012
8:59 am

And thus the most tenuous position perhaps on the team (right guard notwithstanding) gets even more tenuous.

Get well soon Mr. Svitek.

PMC

August 21st, 2012
9:01 am

Feeling pretty good about linebacker actually folks. Some of the guys like Robert James are looking like they might actually contribute this year.

joewhite

August 21st, 2012
9:51 am

We lost will that hurts, Sam looks great so far and hopefully he will just get better. The line so far as a unit looks really good, We will be okay on the line.

Esquire

August 21st, 2012
10:34 am

Seen This B4
August 20th, 2012
6:00 pm
_______________________________________________
Like I wrote b4, I did nothing to taunt about the injury to your linebacker. I informed the Falcon Nation of a change to the no show New Orleans teams dynamics. The only reason you take it that way is because you are where you don’t belong in the first place. Got it Babs! Good!

Mikey

August 21st, 2012
10:36 am

Football is a very dangerous sport based on high speed collisions and amazing strength pitted directly agains amazing strength. More injuries occur in preparation and training for survival in this sport than actually occur in live contests. These injuries are part of the game and this is why selection of durable players, top notch training, depth and game strategy are important. Even with the best of attention to these, players will be injured in football collisions or in dangerous training exercises.

You don’t get ready for an NFL game by sitting in the hot tub to protect yourself! You work on ridiculous exercises to strengthen your body and grow your courage! I’m not sure what you all expect the Falcons to do… they realized that they had a depth problem on the O-Line and they used two of their highest draft choices to pick up two top candidates. They can certainly do more if necessary. Sam Baker looks very good so far this year and it is evident that his health is much improved. I’m not sure W. Svitek would have made the team but now we will never know. I am anxious to see Lamar Holmes play and have no doubt whatsoever that TD and crew did their homework on him. My trust in Falcons management is VERY HIGH and my trust for sports writers in draft pundits is VERY LOW. The Falcons are also very smart to let his broken toe heal properly before letting him on the field. I doubt that he is ready now to step in but with training and healing, he should be an excellent backup within weeks. Who knows, he may even be a contender for first string by mid-season if he works hard and continues his improvement at a rapid pace. The season is 19 games long and there is time to work around injuries with a wide variety of techniques… that is football!

We also have an offensive coordinator that fully understands how to compensate for player weaknesses with game strategy and play selection. Like it or not, we will see injuries to backups, quarterbacks, famous wide receivers, running backs, etc. This is NFL football… not ping pong! If fans are ready to give up their team support after an injury to one player, they aren’t much for fans and will not be sorely missed. My best to W. Svitek… he is a hard working gentleman. GO FALCONS!

Mikey

August 21st, 2012
10:50 am

Injuries are part of the game! More injuries occur in practice and training than actually occur on the field. The truth is that you just can’t prepare yourself physically or mentally for an NFL game by sitting in the hot tub and staying safe.

I’m even happier now that the Falcons used one of their top draft choices to get a backup L-Tackle. I’m anxious to see L. Holmes on the field but have high trust in the Falcons and LOW trust in sports writers and draft pundits. The Falcons are smart to let his toe heal properly knowing that the season involves 19 games or so. Sam Baker looks very healthy so far this year and if he remains so, he will be difficult for anyone to unseat. I suspect that W. Svitek would not have made the team this year but now we will never know.

I am also encouraged by the fact that we now have an offensive coordinator that knows how to compensate for player strengths and weaknesses with game strategy and play calling. Winning football teams can’t just get the best players; they have to get the best out of their players and the Falcons are very well positioned for this. My best to Will Svitek; a real gentleman… GO FALCONS!

Grim Reaper

August 21st, 2012
11:17 am

@SEEN… you really are not welcome here. You are self-centered, narcissistic and you TRY to take credit for YOUR team when the Aints have a season or two worth mentioning. Without Breezy, they’d be under 500. Please go to Louisiana where you belong.

No more eggcuses 4 Perrier Jerry

August 21st, 2012
12:33 pm

The guy was not N E good really he let Mat Rayan get sack all the time.

First time Season Tix Holder

August 21st, 2012
12:45 pm

Arm injury?

Like a scrape? Bruise? Hideous compound fracture?

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”?

[...] Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season [...]

[...] Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season [...]

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.

[...] Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season [...]

[...] Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season [...]

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.

[...] Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season [...]

[...] Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season [...]

[...] Blake Hudgens leads off with a question that is likely prompted by the injury Will Svitek received that will have the veteran out for the season (h/t Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution). [...]

[...] Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season [...]

[...] Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season [...]

Falcón : The Latest Fuzz

August 25th, 2012
4:38 am

[...] Atlanta Falcons: Svitek out for the season – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]

[...] Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season [...]