SAD NEWS: Atlanta Falcons star player will undergo surgery and will be out for the rest of the season

Falcons linebacker Troy Andersen Will Have Surgery; Coach Smith Is Not Sure When He Will Return
After being placed on injured reserve, linebacker Troy Andersen received an update from Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith.

Troy Andersen, the starting inside linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons, will be gone for the duration of the season, if not longer.

After sustaining a pectoral injury on a tackle late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 20-6 loss to the Detroit Lions, Andersen was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith said on Monday that it was “certainly possible” that Andersen would miss the remaining 14 games of the season after doing an initial examination.

And Smith, a second-year pro out of Montana State, expressed similar sentiments after receiving final imaging and disclosed that surgery is imminent.

Smith stated, “You never know what the recovery timeline is.” “Every individual is unique. You’re never sure how long something will take until they undergo surgery. I find it difficult to forecast. Once more, all I know is that there are several forms of it and that each person has a unique timetable.

Andersen finished third on Atlanta’s defense in tackles with 18, adding half a sack and a tackle for loss, despite missing the team’s victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 due to a concussion.

A second-round selection in 2022, Smith labeled Andersen as a “unique player,” highlighting his stature (6-4, 235 pounds), speed (4.42 40-yard dash), and instincts while highlighting his capacity to influence games as a pass rusher and in coverage.

As such, Andersen’s a big loss – but the Falcons remain confident about what the future holds.

“It’s unfortunate,” Smith said. “Obviously, he was playing really good football for us. Disappointed, but he’s got a bright future ahead of him.”

With Andersen out, the Falcons’ linebackers room consists of starter Kaden Elliss, ascending second-year standout Nate Landman, special teams ace Tae Davis, and newly elevated practice squad piece Andre Smith.

Landman, an undrafted free agent in 2022, will slide into Andersen’s starting spot, and the Falcons are more than comfortable with that.

When Andersen missed Atlanta’s game against Green Bay, Landman shined in his first career start, making four tackles, one coming for loss.

During the ensuing week, both defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen and assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray mentioned Landman impressed so much that he forced them to consider three-linebacker packages to get him on the field moving forward.

Even if that package is no longer required, Smith still loves the group that is stopping Atlanta’s middle defense, largely because of Landman.

Smith remarked, “I felt great about the depth on the entire team.” “We are really confident in Nate.” We wouldn’t put someone out there if we didn’t believe in them. I think very highly of Nate Landman. performed admirably two weeks prior. He’ll perform admirably.

If we had to play Andre (Smith) or Tae (Davis), I would be quite confident. They are on the roster for that reason.

This week, as they prepare for their Week 4 matchup in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Falcons will travel across the Atlantic to play in newly renovated linebackers room.