Atlanta Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli will reportedly see his 2011 season come to a close after that knee injury he suffered against the Detroit Lions. Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported Tuesday that the Pro Bowler is set to be placed on injured reserve, which will sideline him until next year. Mughelli took a Louis Delmas hit to his knee while catching a dump-off pass from Matt Ryan. Delmas immediately walked back to check on the downed fullback.
Kind of a shocker, considering Mughelli downplayed the injury and Mike Smith indicated the Falcons didn't have any season-ending injuries to speak of. That was before Smith knew the extent of the damage, of course.
This is a massive loss for Atlanta's offense. Michael Turner relies on his blocking back, but Mughelli's actually a better pass-catching option than is Turner. Jason Snelling can fill in at any running back position, but now we know why the team was reportedly working out Jason McKie and Mike Karney.
It's yet to be confirmed by the Falcons themselves.
@JayGlazer
Jay Glazer Big loss for ATL, they are putting Pro Bowl FB Ovie Mughelli on season-ending IR w knee injury sustained Sunday. Huge loss for Turner & Ryan
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