Falcons FB Keith Smith OUT for Season with Injury

Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith was placed on injured reserve Saturday, ending his season.
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The Atlanta Falcons have just three regular season games remaining - and fullback Keith Smith won't be able to play in any of them.

Atlanta announced Saturday that Smith has been sent to injured reserve with an ankle injury. The four-game mandate for injured reserve placements effectively ends Smith's year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Patrick O'Connor (79) tackles Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith (40) for a safety during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Patrick O'Connor (79) tackles Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith (40) for a safety during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Smith was a full participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday but wasn't seen Friday. On Atlanta's injury report issued Friday, Smith was officially declared doubtful to play this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

The 31-year-old Smith played in 13 games this season, catching all three of his targets for 33 yards. He's recovered a fumble in each of Atlanta's past two games.

Smith saw time on 21 percent of the Falcons' offensive snaps and 65 percent of their special teams snaps.

In the wake of Smith's absence, Atlanta signed tight end Tucker Fisk to the active roster.

The 24-year-old Fisk has played in three games this year and caught his first career pass in last Sunday's 9-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Additionally, the Falcons elevated punter Pat O'Donnell and offensive lineman John Leglue from the practice squad to the active roster.

O'Donnell is in line to replace incumbent punter Bradley Pinion, who missed practice Friday as his wife went into labor.

Smith Needs 'Strong Performances' to Return as Falcons Coach

The Falcons (6-8) and Colts (8-6) are set to kick off at 1 p.m. EST Sunday inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.


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Daniel Flick
DANIEL FLICK

Daniel Flick is an accredited NFL writer for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Daniel has provided boots-on-ground coverage at the NFL Combine and from the Atlanta Falcons' headquarters, among other destinations, and contributed to the annual Lindy's Sports Magazine ahead of the 2023 offseason. Daniel is a co-host on the 404TheFalcon podcast and previously wrote for the Around the Block Network and Georgia Sports Hospitality Media.