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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Urben

Falcons rule out two defensive starters ahead of Week 7 matchup

The Atlanta Falcons have yet to release their final Week 7 injury report but head coach Raheem Morris ruled out two defensive starters on Friday afternoon. Linebackers Troy Andersen (knee) and Lorenzo Carter (concussion) won’t play in Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Andersen won NFC Defensive Player of the Week after the team’s Week 4 win over the New Orleans Saints but was injured in the fourth quarter and hasn’t played since. Carter was initially listed on Wednesday’s injury report with an illness, however, it was later changed to a concussion.

Morris also said that safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) would be questionable for Week 7, per team reporter Amna Subhan.

With Andersen ruled out, the Falcons will look to third-year linebacker Nate Landman to start next to Kaden Elliss. Landman, who returned from the injured reserve list last week, recorded the team’s highest Pro Football Focus grade in last Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers.

Former second-round pick Arnold Ebiketie will likely step in for Carter in Week 7. If Simmons can’t play, Richie Grant would get the start at safety.

The Seahawks have struggled since their 3-0 start to the season, losing three straight games to fall to 3-3. Atlanta has won three straight to improve to 4-2 and 3-0 within the NFC South. Sunday’s game starts at 1 p.m. ET inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

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