Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (56) reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
FLOWERY BRANCH–With Sean Weatherspoon out of Sunday’s game against Dallas with an ankle injury, second-year linebacker Akeem Dent and veteran Mike Peterson will get more action, Falcons head coach Mike Smith said Thursday.
“I want to be as transparent as I can be,” Smith said. “We’ve ruled out two players for the game this week. Sean Weatherspoon will not play this week. Nor will Kevin Cone. Those are the two guys that we made a determination on. They are not going to be available for this week’s game.”
Dent, the team’s middle linebacker in the base attack, played some outside linebacker against Oakland on Oct. 14 when Stephen Nicholas was slowed by an ankle injury.
“It’s no different for me,” Dent said. “I always watch Sean when he’s in there. I’m getting mental reps if I’m not in the game or in practice.”
Dent will start in the nickel package, which the Falcons used on a majority of their defensive snap under defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. When they used their 4-3 base defense, Peterson will play Weatherspoon’s outside linebacker spot.
Weatherspoon, who is being treated for a low right ankle sprain, did not practice Thursday. He was injured on a tackle attempt against Eagles running back LeSean McCoy in the fourth quarter of Atlanta’s 30-17 victory.
He walked through the locker room carrying a sandwich, but didn’t speak to the media.
Falcons guard Garrett Reynolds (back) and wide receiver Kevin Cone (groin) also sat out practice Thursday.
Falcons wide receivers Harry Douglas (knee/ankle) and Roddy White (back) fully participated in practice after being limited on Wednesday.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (knee), kicker Matt Bryant (back) and wide receivers Drew Davis (hamstring) were limited on Thursday.
For Dallas, wide receiver Dez Bryant (hip) and running back DeMarco Murray (foot) did not practice.
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86 comments Add your comment
L.A. Mont
November 1st, 2012
3:56 pm
First….say it ain’t so DOL!
Die Hard Falcon
November 1st, 2012
4:00 pm
Well that stinks!
DLED- Any update on Demarco Murray & Dez Bryant, I know neither practiced yesterday, that could soften the blow, but I wonder who’s going to cover Witten w/ Spoon out?!?
Go Falcons!!!
Willie Coyote
November 1st, 2012
4:00 pm
That’s life in the NFL; it hurts but we still have to perform. Hopefully this is the only game he misses.
Sean Weatherspoon Ruled Out for Sunday Night « The Falcon Project
November 1st, 2012
4:04 pm
[...] Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon has been ruled out for Sunday night’s matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys, as reported by Jay [...]
TheAintsDefenseSuk
November 1st, 2012
4:06 pm
Don’t panic. This is our chance to show how this team can overcome setbacks. Go Falcons!!!
sam
November 1st, 2012
4:12 pm
I hate to hear this, but I’d rather get Spoon healed up and ready for the rest of the year than risk more injury against the Pokes.
Grim Reaper
November 1st, 2012
4:20 pm
2 down (Grimes/Spons) and counting.
Up next Julio or Roddy.
Kane337
November 1st, 2012
4:21 pm
Well…….. FACK!
Really?
November 1st, 2012
4:25 pm
I just hope he doesn’t miss more games. When the cart comes out it’s easy to think the worst. Think the worst but never hope for the worst like that idiot phil did on sunday. That moron was on the ajc posting Spoon was out for the season and that he was happ about it. What a sad tiny little nothing phil is.
More Details Needed
November 1st, 2012
4:28 pm
What kind of sandwich was Weatherspoon carrying? Did he also have a beverage? Were other other players carrying sandwiches?
Please update the story as more information becomes available.
Really?
November 1st, 2012
4:28 pm
awwww grim reaper sounds like a taint’s fan. grimmy you better stock up on that apple jack and crack it’s gonna be a long season for all the beggars in that cesspool called new orleans.
Kane337
November 1st, 2012
4:40 pm
Akeem Dent, you better not let Jason Witten toast you.
Kane337
November 1st, 2012
4:40 pm
Akeem Dent, you better not let Jason Witten toast you.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
November 1st, 2012
4:43 pm
Die Hard Falcon — Bryant and Murray did not practice today.
lowdownjj
November 1st, 2012
4:46 pm
Damnit man…that hurts
lowdownjj
November 1st, 2012
4:49 pm
D-Led…know who’s gonna wear the helmet with the radio and call the plays on D?
falCANS
November 1st, 2012
5:11 pm
Damn I love this team ^_^…… The key too beating Dallas is being oppurtunistic on defense. Its less aboout creating turnovers than it is just capitalizing off their mistake. Somethong we just so happened to excel @. The rest is, as usual, up to the offense tooutscorethe opposingteam
Michael M .
November 1st, 2012
5:14 pm
@ Really? …………..Totally agree with you about Phil………………he is always doom and gloom, way I see it he should just shaddup and not post anything if he is just going to post a ton of garbage to start with…………..these kind of folks if I met em in the real world and they was running the chops ike that I probably slap em upside the head ………….I might get hauled to jail but whatever……….hehehehe
Michael M .
November 1st, 2012
5:15 pm
Falcons 8 – 0 Babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Sunday Night !
DB
November 1st, 2012
5:21 pm
I don’t get how we are just a 4 point fav over dallas at home. I mean the home team gets 3 for just being at home so we are just a 1 pt neutral fav? And an underdog at dallas? D plays at phily next week. I bet you philly will be fav by more than 3 and we just beat the crap out of them. Makes no sense
DB
November 1st, 2012
5:23 pm
Bryant got injured in that end of game play. remember he didn’t go back in for the final play. The fact he didn’t practice today tells me there’s a good chance he won’t play at all on sunday. He hit the turf hard on that play.
Starship 1
November 1st, 2012
5:34 pm
Matty Ice did what he had to do from day 1 in last years off-season to what we see today. Change starts with the individual, no matter how much people wanted him to-Remember ole “noodle arm”? Well, he heard that was said of him (although he didn’t want to admitt it), but look what it did to his confidence. Now, he’s stronger and less likely to topple when he gets swiped or brushed, and can recover from hits that he took last year. Plus the O-line is continuing to keep him clean and upright. The last Atlanta QB if felt good about as far as throwing the football-was Chandler. Matt almost has the accuracy of Chandler, but has the better mobility.
Jazz
November 1st, 2012
5:36 pm
Next man RISE UP!! Okay Akeem all eyes on you man!!! RISE UP AKEEM RISE UP!!!!
New York Giants
November 1st, 2012
6:22 pm
Have you guys scored on us yet?
Falcons Chic
November 1st, 2012
6:28 pm
NYG, your time is coming. I don’t know if it is in the regular season, post-season or both, but NO ONE has forgotten.
zorro
November 1st, 2012
6:44 pm
All of us will be looking at all the linebackers,to see what match ups they will try and beat our D at .So with Biermann able to drop back in coverage with help over the top this D will be just fine.Oh! and of course Abe will not only sack Romo but cause a turn over.While on O MR2 will show why you stay up to watch Sunday Night football. BIG TACKLE THREE!!!
Dat Dude
November 1st, 2012
6:45 pm
D-Led, any idea why Robert James is not replacing Spoon? He had a really strong showing in the pre-season. Any thoughts on that??……
M10
November 1st, 2012
7:09 pm
Let’s be real A.Dent is awful he showed what he can do when S.Nicholas was out,he was horrible.
New York Giants
November 1st, 2012
7:58 pm
We own you!
Joe
November 1st, 2012
8:08 pm
It’s Schiller Time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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November 1st, 2012
8:13 pm
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Posts about The Falcons From Other Great Blogs issue #1 | Falcons - NFC South Daily | Atlanta Falcons Blog
November 1st, 2012
8:29 pm
[...] a team has been under this much scrutiny for winning games in a league where every more… Sean Weatherspoon is out for Sunday’s game vs. Dallas – blogs.ajc.com 11/01/2012 Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (56) reacts [...]
Ben
November 1st, 2012
8:30 pm
Giants you’re an idiot. Quit living in the past.
New York Giants
November 1st, 2012
9:04 pm
We’re the REIGNING champs – the past?
You will never have what we have….Bling Bling baby!
Green Bay Packers
November 1st, 2012
9:05 pm
We own you too!
Blake
November 1st, 2012
10:53 pm
@New York Giants…..Bring It On Bro!…..we owe yall a good thumpin’….keep talkin’ Bro….By the time we get to yall…we may have our division wrapped up anyway…You know those Eagle fans we’re talkin’ It up and they got a good slice of Humble Pie! Bet we put pressure all over Mr. Manning….
Blake
November 1st, 2012
10:55 pm
Can’t wait……
You gonna get what you ask for!!!!
November 2nd, 2012
12:21 am
New York Giants and Blake are STB4 LOL!!
Eric C.
November 2nd, 2012
12:34 am
DB, well, let’s see…the Falcons beat the Broncos by 6, the Panthers by 2, and the Raiders by 3. Might as well beat the Cowboys by 4 eh? In truth, the Cowboys are a very underachieving team and I don’t think the Falcons are a whole lot better. The offense will likely have to win a shootout now that Weatherspoon is hurt.
DR. FALCON
November 2nd, 2012
12:42 am
FALCONS WILL BEAT THE “COWGIRLS”, EVEN WITHOUT WITHERSPOON! THIS WILL BE PAYBACK FOR THE JANURARY, 1981 DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF LOSS, AT FULTON COUNTY STADIUM, AND THOSE PLAYERS WHO SUFFERED THAT COLLAPSE! I WILL TAKE THAT DEVASTATING LOSS, TO MY GRAVE! DAMN!
DR. FALCON
November 2nd, 2012
12:48 am
TO: STEVE BARTKOWSKI, WILLIAM ANDREW, LYNN CAIN, WALLACE FRANCIS, ALFRED JENKINS, ALFRED JACKSON, JUNIOR MILLER, MIKE KENN, DAVE SCOTT, JEFF VAN NOTE, R.C. THIELMAN, WARREN BRYANT, TIM MAZZETI, JEFF MERROW, JEFF YEATES, WILSON FAUMUINA, DON SMITH, BUDDY CURRY, JOEL WILLIAMS, AL RICHARDSON, FULTON KUYKENDALL, BOB GLAZEBROOK TOM PRIDEMORE, RICK BYAS, & ROLAND LAWRENCE, THIS GAME IS FOR YOU!
DR. FALCON
November 2nd, 2012
12:52 am
I HATE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE COWBOYS! BUT, THAT GAME WAS LOST BECAUSE OF LEEMAN BENNETT’S REFUSAL TO BE AGGRESSIVE TO CLOSE IT OUT! RICK BYAS, AND TOM PRIDEMORE, DIDN’T ROTATE THEIR COVERAGE TOWARD DREW PEARSON! THAT’S WHY THE FALCONS DRAFTED BOBBY BUTLER, 4 MONTHS LATER OUT OF FSU! BYAS WAS RELEASED! SORRY FOLKS, I LIVE IN THE PAST! FEW OF US REMEMBER THAT DEBACLE!
TommyNobisfan60
November 2nd, 2012
1:36 am
William andrew carried fools on his back and Bartkoski invented the big ben right watch your mouth boy
TommyNobisfan60
November 2nd, 2012
1:39 am
buddy curry bust fools in the mouth Falcons talk undefeated cause they can got that
TommyNobisfan60
November 2nd, 2012
1:42 am
Scott Case is our legend. He bust boys up fast got that
TommyNobisfan60
November 2nd, 2012
1:44 am
Dr Falcon take that talk and go to who dat this is not the 80’s falcons boys this is 2012 and the falcons aint taking no crap
Samuel
November 2nd, 2012
4:44 am
Well Spoon can’t go, next man up.
Atlanta Falcons: Kroy Biermann is being sent on special missions | Atlanta Falcons
November 2nd, 2012
7:35 am
[...] Sean Weatherspoon is out for Sunday’s game vs. Dallas [...]
SeenThisBFalcon
November 2nd, 2012
7:43 am
ALL WE DO I WIN!!!!!!!
fitzgerald
November 2nd, 2012
7:51 am
I don’t have anything against the Cowboys players, but please, Falcons, beat the Cowboys with a huge score. Although Tom Landry should have retired earlier, I still haven’t forgiven Jerry Jones for the way he fired Mr. Landry.
‘
Paul
November 2nd, 2012
7:57 am
Quote of the day, “He walked through the locker room carrying a sandwich, but didn’t speak to the media.”
kramer
November 2nd, 2012
8:03 am
It is being reported this morning that Dez will play but, saw nothing on Murray. I think the ‘boy’s plan will be to run the ball on us as much as possible. GO FALCONS!
I usually just read but...
November 2nd, 2012
8:07 am
I agree with Dat Dude@6:45p on Robert James. Ole Smitty gonna pull a slick on Jerrys Boys if they gameplan Dent. Peterson can’t go into 3rd/4th quarter at full speed. Look for R James to get some playing time.
Zoomie
November 2nd, 2012
8:35 am
The ‘Boys are going to relentlessly pound the soft center of the Falcons defense and try to burn the Falcons with their play-action passing game. Dent will get his trial-by-fire and Peterson’s tank-level will be tested. Witten will be all over the field, taking advantage of every perceived mismatch. Overall, the Cowboys will try to run a controlled, balanced offensive attack to keep the game within striking distance in the 4th quarter.
Dallas will confidently commit 4 to the pass rush while using the remaining seven to even the odds against Atlanta’s sheer number of offensive play-makers. They’ll mix up the double coverages and looks to confuse MR2. Ultimately, though, Dallas will have to blitz to get any real pressure on Ryan, as he and Koetter will make Dallas pay if they get too aggressive with their pass rush.
I predict this game will start out as a defensive slug-fest with scoring opening up in the second half as each team takes on more risk for scoring and defensive-stop opportunities.
These two teams match up very well. Setting aside the affects of luck and turnovers, I give the edge to the Falcons as they have just too many weapons on offense and a DC who is very effective at using his personnel.
However, if MR2 has another stinker game, the Cowboys take this one.
Mike is Back
November 2nd, 2012
8:39 am
Smart move by Mike Smith…it’s still a long way to go.
RISE UP DENT…LET’S GO…LET’S GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3 key matchups: Cowboys vs. Falcons | Atlanta Falcons
November 2nd, 2012
8:48 am
[...] Sean Weatherspoon is out for Sunday’s game vs. Dallas [...]
FalconDeeva
November 2nd, 2012
9:32 am
@ Paul yes that is the quote of the day. Spoon has said he loves his ham and cheese. All fans let’s get there early on Sunday and get that Dome rockin’!! The gate giveaway is a rally towel. Let’s send Jerry Jones and his Cowgirls running home with their tails between their legs. RISE UP BABY RISE UP!!!!! Go Birds!!
DR. FALCON
November 2nd, 2012
10:06 am
HEY TommyNobisfan60, I LOVE YOU TOO! LOL! I WAS JUST GIVING PROPS TO SOME FORMER FALCON LEGENDS! THAT’S ALL! THIS GAME IS PERSONAL FOR ME, AND A FEW LONG TIME, (OVER 30YRS), FALCON FANS! NOTHING PERSONAL, TOWARDS YOU! RELAX! WE’RE IN THIS THING TOGETHER!
New York Giants
November 2nd, 2012
10:06 am
24-2 I am pimping you sissies!
ItsMe
November 2nd, 2012
11:25 am
I’m placing bets on Dent surprising us this Sunday night. Just a feeling…then again it could be gas.
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Dallas (3-4) vs. Atlanta (7-0) at 8:20 p.m. Sunday | Atlanta Falcons
November 2nd, 2012
3:01 pm
[...] Sean Weatherspoon is out for Sunday’s game vs. Dallas [...]
G-dub
November 2nd, 2012
3:03 pm
Way to rep SE Texas… Weatherspoon-Jasper, TX…Babineaux-Port Arthur, TX
Falcons fantasy injury report: Garrett Reynolds is out for Cowboys game | Atlanta Falcons
November 2nd, 2012
3:32 pm
[...] Sean Weatherspoon is out for Sunday’s game vs. Dallas [...]
Mikey
November 2nd, 2012
7:16 pm
Glad to hear that they are not pressing Spoon’s injured ankle. It is best to give it time to heal properly so he is with us for the remainder of the season. This team has depth and Nolan is smart enough to work around backups. It is good for the backups to get some game-time experience too. Dent will get better every game. He just needs to get in the groove with some playing time. The Boys announced that DeMarco Murray is out for this game so that makes quite a difference in their run package. I don’t know if that is a positive thing though since their arial attack is their most productive. They are leaning heavily on Witten in lieu of the running attack so our linebackers will see lots of action I’m sure. Should be a great game… they are actually very well matched with similar composition across the team. I think coaching will shine through with the Falcons. In Smitty, Nolan and Koeter I trust. GO FALCONS! YOU ARE RISING UP!
ROTFLMFAO
November 2nd, 2012
7:25 pm
Falcon will still prevail.
IDP News, Notes, and Nonsense: Week Nine | IDP Manor
November 2nd, 2012
11:45 pm
[...] When the Atlanta Falcons take on the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night in an effort to remain the NFL’s last undefeated team they’ll have to do so without their top linebacker, as third-year pro Sean Weatherspoon has been ruled out for the game according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. [...]
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[...] Sean Weatherspoon is out for Sunday’s game vs. Dallas [...]
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November 3rd, 2012
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[...] = 180; sr_adspace_height = 90; sr_ad_new_window = true; sr_adspace_type = "graphic"; According to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Falcons linebacker Sean Witherspoon won’t play in tomorrow’s game against the Cowboys [...]
Bruce Raglin in HI.
November 3rd, 2012
7:00 pm
we are a better team than the cowboys and better coached we just have to play Falcon football and we will be ok 8-0 baby GO FALCONS
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