Todd McClure Injury: Falcons C Out For Season Opener Against The Bears

Todd McClure's injury has already caused the Atlanta Falcons' center to miss two preseason games.  According to the most recent reports, it seems that the typically injury-free offensive lineman has been officially shut down for the fourth and final game of the exhibition schedule along with Atlanta's Week 1 opener versus the Chicago Bears.

McClure underwent knee surgery on Monday for what the team called a "minor procedure."

Falcons head coach Mike Smith told the media on Tuesday that McClure won't be available for the next two weeks, according to Jay Adams. McClure had previously started 166 straight games for the Falcons, dating back to 2001 after the Falcons acquired him as a seventh round pick in the 1999 NFL Draft.

The team hasn't made a formal announcement regarding which backup will replace McClure in the starting lineup, but veteran Joe Hawley appears to be the top option according to the depth chart posted on the team's website.

Atlanta Falcons Injury Report: Todd McClure Status For Week 1 Unknown

The Atlanta Falcons’ injury report will include starting center Todd McClure for a couple more weeks, it seems, due to a minor knee surgery. McClure has been out due to injury since starting against the Miami Dolphins during the first week of the preseason.

“Todd McClure, this morning, had a minor procedure done on his knee,” Falcons head coach Mike Smith told reporters after Monday’s practice. “We don’t know the exact timeframe of him coming back. It was a very minor procedure. It was done this morning. I haven’t had an opportunity to talk to Todd or the doctors yet but we will be able to update that next week."

Next week, of course, is when the Falcons will also be preparing for the first week of the regular season. As of now, it’s unclear if McClure will be able to participate in that game.

“We will make a determination [if he can play in the season-opener] as we get closer to it next week,” Smith said. “The first few days, as I understand it, will be very critical in terms of when he can come back.”

McClure has started 166 straight games at center, but with the injury, there’s a chance he might break that streak. As of now, Jow Hawley is the top backup on the Falcons’ depth chart.

Falcons Vs. Jaguars: Dunta Robinson, Todd McClure To Miss Friday's Game

Dunta Robinson and Todd McClure have been ruled out for the Falcons' preseason game at Jacksonville Friday night