Falcons Extensive Injury Update Hands Broncos a Lifeline

The final injury reports have been unveiled for the Denver Broncos' tilt vs. the Atlanta Falcons.

Oct 13, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes (21) walks off the field after the game at Bank of America Stadium. / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons have a very talented offense. The Denver Broncos' vaunted defense will have its hands full on Sunday.

But a good chunk of Atlanta's offense is on the final injury report for Week 11. Depending on how some of these injury designations resolve on gameday, it could impact the outcome.

Adding insult to injury, three Falcons defensive starters have been ruled out — a bonafide lifeline for the Broncos. Let's examine the two injury reports.

Falcons

Out

• Troy Andersen | LB | Knee

• Dee Alford | CB | Hamstring

• JD Bertrand | LB | Concussion

• Ta'Quon Graham | DL | Pectoral

• Antonio Hamilton Sr. | CB | Pectoral

• Mike Hughes | CB | Neck

• James Smith-Williams | DL | Tibia

• Charlie Woerner | TE | Concussion

Questionable

• Lorenzo Carter | OLB | Concussion

• Drew Dalman | C | Ankle

Full Go

• Tyler Allgeier | RB | Quad

• Kirk Cousins | QB | Shoulder/Elbow (R)

• Zach Harrison | DL | Achilles

• Grady Jarrett | DL | Achilles

• Chris Lindstrom | OG | Knee

• Drake London | WR | Hip

• Darnell Mooney | WR | Achilles

• Ryan Neuzil | OL | Calf

Analysis: We've monitored the situation all week, but Cousins is a go, as are his top two weapons in Mooney and London. The trio is banged up, though, so it'll be interesting to see whether it impacts Sunday's game, especially the two injuries to Cousins' throwing shoulder/arm.

The Falcons will be without three defensive starters in Andersen, Hughes, and Alford. Kaden Elliss will still be anchored in the middle of that defense, but the Falcons missing two of their three top cornerbacks creates a rife opportunity for Bo Nix and company.

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Friday's #ATLvsDEN injury report:

📰 » https://t.co/HGswSdOhKe pic.twitter.com/v0mFkJr8ck

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 15, 2024

Broncos

Out

• Josh Reynolds | WR | Hand

• Drew Sanders | LB | Achilles

• Delarrin Turner-Yell | S | Knee

Questionable

• Brandon Jones | S | Abdomen

Full Go

• Zach Allen | DL | Elbow/Rest

• P.J. Locke | S | Thumb

Analysis: All three players Denver ruled out were full participants in practice this week, which raises some eyebrows as to why the team is dragging its feet. Reynolds was designated to return from injured reserve this week, but hasn't been activated.

The Broncos started Sanders' clock last week, and despite three full days of practice, he's still on the PUP list. The Broncos must have some strategic rationale for waiting on these two.

Meanwhile, Turner-Yell's clock to return from the PUP list was started ahead of Week 9, so the Broncos' reluctance to place him back on the roster is curious, to say the least. Perhaps his window will pass, and he'll miss the entire season. I doubt it, but we'll see.

As for Jones, don't expect him to miss Sunday's action. He's been a revelation for the Broncos, leading the team in tackles and having his fingerprints on three different takeaways.

Locke will continue to battle on the field with a cast on that injured thumb. Keep an eye on Allen, though, who's now dealing with a minor elbow injury.

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