The Falcons face a win and in scenario in Week 17 when they take on the Panthers at home. However, they be could be without one of their tight ends going into the contest. Second-string tight end Levine Toilolo sprained his MCL in the team’s loss to the Saints on Sunday, making his status for next week’s game “in doubt”, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Toilolo, 26, has been mostly a complementary piece in a dynamic Falcons offense over the past few seasons. He’s caught a combined 15 balls and scored three touchdowns in the last two years. Second-year tight end Austin Hooper has been one of the team’s best receiving threats after the Falcons drafted him in the third round in 2016.
The Falcons are just a win away from their second straight postseason appearance, although beating Carolina, who’s still in the running for the NFC South title, will be no walk in the park. Should Toilolo be unable to play in Atlanta’s regular season finale, third-string tight end Eric Saubert could see increased snaps. The team could also bring in a free agent tight end if the coaching staff is uncomfortable going into the contest with just two players available at the position.
Poor reporting suggesting that TE Alex Gray could be brought up from the practice squad. He’s the “11th Man” on the PS as part of an international pool of players that are ineligible to play this season.
I would add the complete lack of proofreading to the disappointments in this piece. “Tight ends” in the first paragraph is a plural and needs no apostrophe, and in the second paragraph it should be “complementary”, not “complimentary”: Toilolo hasn’t been giving the offense compliments (praises), he’s been complementing (supporting, adding to) the offense.
I don’t like to be “that guy”, especially on Christmas, but if one is going to report, maintain some journalistic standards, please.
Falcons had a Dynamic offense last year, not the year prior nor this year. Plus Hooper hasn’t been one of their best receiving threats. I’m a fan of Hooper but he took a major step back this year, way too many dropped passes plus I think he’s caused at least 3 interceptions if not more letting the ball bounce off his hands right into the defense. Doesn’t sound like the writer really watches the Falcons, just going off stats on paper I would venture to say…