The Falcons came away with the win on Sunday, but it could prove to be costly. Tight end Austin Hooper and running back Devonta Freeman both suffered injuries in the victory over the rival Saints, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter links). 
Hooper, the league’s leader at the tight end position with 56 catches, will get an MRI on his knee. Freeman, meanwhile, will be getting a scan on his sprained foot. Hooper is expected to miss some time and Freeman’s situation is being closely monitored.
Hooper is in the midst of a breakout season. Hooper, 25, was forced out of Sunday’s game after hauling in four passes for 17 yards, including one touchdown reception. To date, he has 56 catches for 608 yards and six scores, positioning him as one of the best young TEs in the game today.
It sounds like Hooper will miss Sunday’s game against the Panthers and then some. Given the Falcons’ 2-7 record and Hooper’s importance to the team moving forward, one has to wonder if they might take the cautious approach and keep him off the field for the rest of the season, if there’s a possibility of aggravating the injury.
Freeman, meanwhile, hasn’t been having a banner year, but he remains an important figure in the Falcons’ offense. So far this year, he has averaged just 3.5 yards per carry.
I don’t intend to sound cold hearted but the Falcons shouldn’t be worried about a cautious approach with Hooper. He is a FA next year and I don’t see the Falcons having available cap space to resign him. I guess you can sit him as a sign of goodwill but to sit him cause you’re having a terrible season makes no sense when he is likely to be playing for a new team in 2020.
They’re gonna have to move a lot of pieces to keep him for sure. But DQ is fighting for his job so I’d be surprised if he sat longer than the minimum
Should have traded the TE. Obviously a losing season and, at least, a new HC will be there. Give him picks to change the team around.
Lol
Couldn’t agree more. Looking likely Hooper will walk leaving the team with nothing. Should have cashed in on him while they had the chance.