'Not Feeling Right': Falcons LB Troy Andersen in Concussion Protocol

With starting linebacker Troy Andersen in concussion protocol, who's in line to step up for the Atlanta Falcons' defense this week?

Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith delivered both good and bad injury news during his press conference Wednesday.

Smith revealed that running back Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh) and cornerback Jeff Okudah (ankle), both of whom were inactive in Atlanta's season-opening 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers, will practice in the lead-up to Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers.

Earlier this week, Smith noted that both Patterson and Okudah were "trending in the right direction" with their health, and being able to practice is a crucial step towards making their season debuts.

But it wasn't all positive for the Falcons, as starting linebacker Troy Andersen was placed in concussion protocol Tuesday, putting his status for this week in jeopardy.

"Troy came in yesterday and didn't feel right, so we put him in the protocol," Smith said. "We'll see how that goes all week."

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Andersen, a second-round pick in 2022, made his sixth career start against Carolina and finished tied for the team lead in tackles with safety Jessie Bates III at 10 while adding one tackle for loss and half a sack.

Should Andersen be unable to play, the Falcons will likely turn to Nate Landman as the starter alongside Kaden Elliss, who posted nine tackles in his team debut.

Landman had an impressive summer in which he went from fringe roster piece to the No. 3 linebacker, a role he officially claimed once Atlanta released incumbent Mykal Walker in the middle of August.

A second-year pro and former undrafted free agent out of Colorado, Landman played in seven games for the Falcons last season, recording one tackle and a quarterback hit across 89 snaps.

The only other linebacker in Atlanta's room currently is Tae Davis, who played 85 percent of the special teams snaps last Sunday.

It's probable the Falcons will elevate an additional linebacker for the Packers contest, with Andre Smith Jr. the lone such player on the practice squad and thus the most likely candidate.

But regardless of who Atlanta may roll out, Andersen would be a considerable loss; his 6-4, 236-pound frame with 4.42 40-yard dash speed creates a rare physical profile, and he brings a valuable skill set to the middle of defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's unit.

"Troy’s a unique player," Smith said. "A guy that size with instincts and speed, that can legitimately cover tight ends and (running) backs allows you to do different things schematically in the backend. And then he’s a good rusher because he’s physical at the point of attack. You get into some of the big games as a rusher, he can collapse the pocket."

Nielsen joined the Falcons this spring after six years with the New Orleans Saints, who ran lots of double mug looks with linebackers placed right over the center pre-snap to cause confusion for the opposing offense.

This schematic principle was in effect Sunday and helped Andersen get pressure on Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. The Saints were notorious for being creative with their linebackers in the blitz game, and Nielsen has brought some of those concepts with him.

Of course, the Falcons wouldn't have Landman or Davis on their roster if they didn't have belief they could thrive in the system, and both players impressed during the preseason - but Andersen started for a reason, and his potential absence could limit Atlanta's defense in some regards this Sunday.

"When you’re rolling from four-down looks (against) the pass, will give you some three-down looks, it gives you a lot of flexibility week-in and week-out," Smith said. "He’s a very, very smart player."

The Falcons and Packers are set to kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.