The Atlanta Falcons got a lucky break on their Friday injury report as it appears that Drake London and Darnell Mooney will in fact suit up in Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. However, it wasn’t all good for Atlanta. The Falcons listed rookies James Pearce Jr. and Billy Bowman Jr. as questionable for Week 2.
Pearce racked up four QB pressures in his NFL debut, tying with New York Giants first-round pick Adbul Carter for the most pressures among rookies in Week 1. Losing Pearce would be a big hit, especially since the Vikings have ruled out starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw.
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However, Pearce isn’t technically a starter and the team would still have Leonard Floyd, Arnold Ebiketie and Jalon Walker to rush the passer against if he can’t play against Minnesota on Sunday night.
Bowman also impressed in his debut against the Buccaneers, recording six tackles (two solo) and a half-sack. The rookie was named the starting nickel corner after impressing the coaching staff in training camp. If Bowman can’t go, the Falcons will likely look to veteran Dee Alford.
Even though Mike Ford Jr. is listed as the backup to Bowman on the depth chart, Alford has a ton of experience as the team’s starting nickel. Either way, Atlanta’s defense is going to have to be very careful against the Vikings on Sunday night.
Justin Jefferson is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL and his connection with first-year starter J.J. McCarthy is off to a promising start. The Falcons must take advantage of Minnesota’s absence at left tackle in order to disrupt the Vikings’ game plan.
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Falcons Week 2 injury report with game designations
Drake London (shoulder): FP
Darnell Mooney (shoulder): FP
Billy Bowman Jr. (shoulder): FP – Questionable
James Pearce Jr. (groin): LP – Questionable
DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring): LP – Questionable
Jack Nelson (calf): LP – Questionable
Casey Washington (concussion): DNP – OUT
Jordan Fuller (knee): DNP – OUT
Jamal Agnew (groin): DNP – OUT
David Onyemata (rest): DNP
Leonard Floyd (rest): DNP
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons vs Vikings: James Pearce iffy, Christian Darrisaw out