As if the Falcons weren't already thin enough at at defensive tackle, it has been reported that Jonathan Babineaux will be out of action for the next 3-5 weeks due to a partial MCL tear suffered during week one's matchup against the Chicago Bears. In a brief statement, Babineaux's agent Jack Bechta mentioned that he fully expects U.S.S. Babs to make an on-time recovery.
For the Falcons, this is exactly the type of news they didn't want to hear. Babineaux is without a doubt the best D-tackle on the team, and his injury comes with Corey Peters still yet to have made his return from a knee injury suffered during training camp. Without his ability to provide pressure inside, this looks to be a huge blow to the Falcons defense.
As for replacements, if Peters is not able to return this week Vance Walker will most likely fill in as the starter opposite of Peria Jerry whilst Babineaux recovers. I also wouldn't be surprised for the Falcons to bring in a veteran backup sometime soon, considering there are now only three completely healthy tackles on the roster (*knocks on wood).
With this week's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles looming, Mike Smith will have to employ some creative gameplanning in order to give this banged up line a fighting chance.
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