Atlanta Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas is in danger of missing Week 6's contest against the Oakland Raiders, as the Falcons look to improve to 6-0 on the season.

Nicholas injured his ankle during Sunday's 24-17 win over the Washington Redskins.

Dave Choate over at The Falcoholic, SB Nation's Atlanta Falcons blog, describes how big of a loss it could be, if Nicholas does indeed miss Sunday's game.

Nicholas had a lights-out start to the season and has remained a terrific starter for the Falcons throughout the first five games, so this would be a pretty significant loss. At the moment, he has 39 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble.

The ankle will be re-evaluated at mid-week, which gives me some hope. Watch the injury report closely.

Nicholas is in his sixth year in the NFL, and they've all been with the Falcons.

With the Falcons headed into a bye week in Week 7, it's possible Atlanta's coaching staff could choose to be cautious with Nicholas, and give him a full two weeks off to heal.