Falcon Week

[RuthlessBurgher]

Wednesday, Oct 03, 2018 04:10 PM

Week 5 Injury Report (Falcons)

Teresa Varley

Steelers.com

The Steelers could get a few players back this week, including Morgan Burnett and Mike Hilton who both missed the Ravens game. Burnett was out with a groin injury last week, while Hilton missed the game with an elbow injury.

“We anticipate those guys coming back to practice and let their practice participation be our guide in terms of their in-game availability,” said Coach Mike Tomlin.

Burnett was limited in practice on Wednesday, while Hilton was a full go.

Vince Williams suffered a hamstring injury against the Ravens on Sunday night. Tomlin said Williams will be given an opportunity to practice this week, and that will be a guide for whether he will play or not on Sunday. He did not practice on Wednesday.

If Williams can’t go against the Atlanta Falcons, Matthew Thomas is a player who could step into the spotlight. Thomas made the 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie free agent and has been impressive, contributing mainly on special teams to date.

“He has done some nice things and he has gotten better each and every day,” said Tomlin. “You see some of the result of that in some special teams production. He has had some special teams tackles the last couple of weeks. Ran down and made a significant tackle on kickoff inside the 20 this past week. Had a kickoff tackle on Monday night in Tampa. He is playing some gunner for us. He has some talents. He is learning what to do as he gains more knowledge and a good baseline in play. He will be given the opportunity to play when it presents itself.”

Thomas said he is prepared if he is the next man up.

“I feel comfortable in coverage,” said Thomas. “I don’t have any problem covering tight ends or backs. I am ready for whatever they want me to do. I have had a lot of good reps. All those reps count. It would mean a lot, especially a guy like me, being undrafted. It would mean a lot if they call my name.”

Darrius Heyward-Bey suffered an ankle injury against the Ravens and missed practice on Wednesday.

“He will be evaluated and followed closely in terms of availability this week,” said Tomlin.

The full practice report is below:

Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 5

Wednesday, 10/3
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coaches Decision) - DNP
K Chris Boswell (Left Foot) - Full
CB Joe Haden (Coaches Decision) - DNP
CB Mike Hilton (Elbow) - Full
S Morgan Burnett (Groin) - Limited
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coaches Decision) - DNP
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Ankle) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Hamstring) - DNP

https://www.steelers.com/news/week-5-injury-report-falcons

[squidkid]

gonna have to figure out a way to put up 40

[RuthlessBurgher]

By Mike Florio
October 3, 2018, 7:02 PM EDT
No practice for Julio Jones on Wednesday

The 1-3 Falcons face the 1-2-1 Steelers on Sunday in a game that will put the loser in a hole from which it may not be able to emerge. And the Falcons have to worry about whether they’ll have receiver Julio Jones.

Jones missed practice on Wednesday, with both hand and ankle injuries.

Also out for the Falcons on Wednesday were defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (ankle, knee) and cornerback Justin Bethel (knee).

Limited participants included running back Devonta Freeman (knee), running back Tevin Coleman (shin), linebacker Vic Beasley (ankle), receiver Mohamed Sanu (hip), linebacker Foyesade Oloukun (ankle), and defensive end Derrick Shelby (groin).

Freeman hasn’t played since injuring his knee four weeks ago, in the season-opening game at Philadelphia.

[Mr.wizard]

gonna have to figure out a way to put up 40

I think we are always trying to figure out how to put up 40, us and 31 other teams.

[Slapstick]

Fun fact: Dan Quinn and Mike Tomlin go back more than 20 years...Quinn recommended Tomlin for his first coaching job at VMI under Bill Stewart...They met when Quinn was a Coach for William and Mary and Tomlin was a player...

[RuthlessBurgher]

Devonta Freeman “comfortable enough” to return

Posted by Josh Alper on October 4, 2018, 6:52 AM EDT

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said on Wednesday morning that he expects to have running back Devonta Freeman in the lineup against the Steelers this Sunday.

It would be Freeman’s first game since he injured his knee in the season-opening loss to the Eagles and he kicked off the practice week with a limited session on Wednesday. He declared himself “excited to be out here” and declared himself ready to get back to work.

“I’m in-tune with my body and myself, so I know when I can be me,” Freeman said, via ESPN.com. “Just getting back out there when I’m comfortable enough. I think right now, I’m comfortable enough to get out there. I feel good. I feel explosive. I’m ready to run.”

Getting Freeman back will be a plus to a running game that’s produced 140 yards over the last two weeks, but it still may be difficult for the Falcons offense to generate enough points to overcome a defense that’s been shredded repeatedly this season.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/04/devonta-freeman-comfortable-enough-to-return/

[RuthlessBurgher]

Devonta Freeman to return to the field this week

Posted by Darin Gantt on October 4, 2018, 12:42 PM EDT

Falcons coach Dan Quinn cleared up any mystery, announcing that one of his top offensive players was ready to return.

Per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Quinn said that running back Devonta Freeman would be back Sunday against the Steelers.

“He’s going to play,” Quinn said.

Freeman’s been out with a knee injury since the opener, and though the Falcons beat the Panthers in his absence, the run game has lagged.

And given the current state of their defense (after losing three starters to IR already), they can use every yard and every point they can get.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/04/devonta-freeman-to-return-to-the-field-this-week/

[RuthlessBurgher]

Dan Quinn turns down the Falcons music

Posted by Darin Gantt on October 4, 2018, 1:47 PM EDT

Falcons coach Dan Quinn hasn’t told his players to get off his lawn yet, but he did make them turn down the loud music.

After some struggles with communication on their patchwork defense, Quinn took the unusual step Thursday of having the team’s DJ lower the volume of the music on the practice field.

Vince Lombardi used to do that all the time, by the way, so it’s clearly an effective strategy.

“We had our DJ turn the music down some this week in practice so that we can clearly hear some of our communications,” Quinn said, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It was more of an emphasis for us in every single spot that we could look for it, hear it and acknowledge it.

“It starts in the classroom from player to player. Then from a coaching side, I wanted the coaches to the side. I want to hear the players talk.”

Now that they’ve had a chance to introduce themselves, it might help. Losing middle linebacker Deion Jones and starting safeties Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal to injury has made a mess of their defense, at a number of levels. They put the helmet headset radio on linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, and there were a number of issues last week against the Bengals, when players weren’t on the same page.

“On both occasions, that was Falcons beating Falcons,” Quinn said. “So, that is as difficult as it gets. You generally haven’t seen a lot of that from us where we bust a coverage and mis-communicate to cause an explosive play.”

Perhaps hearing each other will help, at least until they get players accustomed to each other.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/10/04/dan-quinn-turns-down-the-falcons-music/

[RuthlessBurgher]

Thursday, Oct 04, 2018 04:00 PM

Week 5 Injury Report (Falcons)

Teresa Varley

Steelers.com

Mike Hilton continues to work his way back onto the field after suffering an elbow injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers two weeks ago. Hilton missed Sunday’s game against the Ravens, but practiced the last two days and his goal is to play this week.

“It’s not going to hold me back,” said Hilton. “I am still going to be myself. I will be aggressive, physical. I am going to be using my hands like I want to, but I feel like it’s I am going to be back to myself.”

On the flip side Morgan Burnett’s status is still up in the air. Coach Mike Tomlin hinted in his weekly press conference that Burnett, who has a groin injury, had the chance to return this week. He practiced in a limited role on Wednesday, but did not practice on Thursday.

Chris Boswell, who injured his left foot on Wednesday, was a full participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day.

Vince Williams, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Ravens on Sunday night, missed practice on Wednesday and again on Thursday. If Williams can’t go against the Falcons, look for a trio of linebackers to take on the challenge, including Tyler Matakevich, L.J. Fort and Matthew Thomas.

“We know we are ready,” said Matakevich. “All three of us have got to be ready to go in there and rotate and help this defense and help this team, (do) whatever we can do to get this ‘W.’

“These coaches know what they are doing. They are going to put you in the best situation. Then it’s just up to you to make the plays. They are going to give you a chance, an opportunity to show what you can do. The coaches believe in all of us.”

Darrius Heyward-Bey suffered an ankle injury against the Ravens and missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday. In addition, Marcus Gilbert was added to the practice report on Thursday, sitting out with a knee injury.

The full practice report is below:

Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 5

Thursday, 10/4
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coaches Decision) - Full
K Chris Boswell (Left Foot) - Full
CB Joe Haden (Coaches Decision) - Full
CB Mike Hilton (Elbow) - Full
S Morgan Burnett (Groin) - DNP
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coaches Decision) - Full
OL Ramon Foster (Coaches Decision) - DNP
OL Marcus Gilbert (Knee) - DNP
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Ankle) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Hamstring) - DNP

Wednesday, 10/3
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coaches Decision) - DNP
K Chris Boswell (Left Foot) - Full
CB Joe Haden (Coaches Decision) - DNP
CB Mike Hilton (Elbow) - Full
S Morgan Burnett (Groin) - Limited
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coaches Decision) - DNP
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Ankle) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Hamstring) - DNP

Atlanta Falcons Participation/Injury Report, Week 5

Thursday, 10/4
OLB Vic Beasley Jr. (Ankle) - Limited
RB Tevin Coleman (Shin) - Full
RE Devonte Freeman (Knee) - Full
LB Foyesade Oluokun (Ankle) - Limited
WR Mohamed Sanu (Hip) - Full
DE Derrick Shelby (Groin) - Limited
CB Justin Bethal (Knee) - DNP
DT Grady Jarrett (Ankle/Knee) - DNP
WR Julio Jones (Hand/Ankle) - Limited

Wednesday, 10/3
OLB Vic Beasley Jr. (Ankle) - Limited
RB Tevin Coleman (Shin) - Limited
RE Devonte Freeman (Knee) - Limited
LB Foyesade Oluokun (Ankle) - Limited
WR Mohamed Sanu (Hip) - Limited
DE Derrick Shelby (Groin) - Limited
CB Justin Bethal (Knee) - DNP
DT Grady Jarrett (Ankle/Knee) - DNP
WR Julio Jones (Hand/Ankle) - DNP

https://www.steelers.com/news/week-5-injury-report-falcons

[RuthlessBurgher]

Friday, Oct 05, 2018 02:00 PM

Week 5 Injury Report (Falcons)

Teresa Varley

Steelers.com

Mike Hilton is primed to return to action on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons at Heinz Field, after missing last week’s game with an elbow injury.

Hilton said he has worn a brace on the elbow in practice this week, during which he was a full participant all three days. He plans to wear the brace on Sunday as well.

“I feel pretty good,” said Hilton. “The brace is really giving me extra protection. It’s giving me the confidence to go out there and use my hands and be the physical player I know I am. I will be ready to go on Sunday.

“I just want to feel comfortable. I don’t want to have any repeats of what happened two weeks ago. It’s more just for my protection. Everybody is going to be a little hesitant (coming back from an injury), especially early in the game. Of course, as the game builds, the confidence gets higher. I just want to go in confident on Sunday and be myself. (The brace) lets me go full out and be who I am, the type of player I am. I am going to be confident going out there. I am sure at first I will be a little hesitant, but as the game goes on I will be more confident.”

While Hilton is expected to play and not on the status report, there are several players who are.

Morgan Burnett missed practice for the second straight day with a groin injury. Burnett was limited on Wednesday, but then wasn’t able to go the last two days. If Burnett can’t go, look for Terrell Edmunds to start his third straight game at strong safety and his fourth overall this season.

Vince Williams, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Ravens on Sunday night, missed practice all week.

If Williams can’t go against the Falcons, look for a trio of linebackers to take on the challenge, including Tyler Matakevich, L.J. Fort and Matthew Thomas.

“We know we are ready,” said Matakevich. “All three of us have got to be ready to go in there and rotate and help this defense and help this team, (do) whatever we can do to get this ‘W.’”

Darrius Heyward-Bey suffered an ankle injury against the Ravens and missed practice all week. In addition, Marcus Gilbert was added to the practice report on Thursday, sitting out with a knee injury, but was back to work on Friday.


The full practice and status report is below:


Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 5

Game Status
S Morgan Burnett (Groin) - Doubtful
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Ankle) - Doubtful
LB Vince Williams (Hamstring) - Doubtful

Friday, 10/5
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coaches Decision) - Full
K Chris Boswell (Left Foot) - Full
CB Joe Haden (Coaches Decision) - Full
CB Mike Hilton (Elbow) - Full
S Morgan Burnett (Groin) - DNP
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coaches Decision) - Full
OL Ramon Foster (Coaches Decision) - Full
OL Marcus Gilbert (Knee) - Full
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Ankle) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Hamstring) - DNP

Thursday, 10/4
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coaches Decision) - Full
K Chris Boswell (Left Foot) - Full
CB Joe Haden (Coaches Decision) - Full
CB Mike Hilton (Elbow) - Full
S Morgan Burnett (Groin) - DNP
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coaches Decision) - Full
OL Ramon Foster (Coaches Decision) - DNP
OL Marcus Gilbert (Knee) - DNP
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Ankle) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Hamstring) - DNP

Wednesday, 10/3
QB Ben Roethlisberger (Coaches Decision) - DNP
K Chris Boswell (Left Foot) - Full
CB Joe Haden (Coaches Decision) - DNP
CB Mike Hilton (Elbow) - Full
S Morgan Burnett (Groin) - Limited
C Maurkice Pouncey (Coaches Decision) - DNP
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Ankle) - DNP
LB Vince Williams (Hamstring) - DNP


Atlanta Falcons Participation/Injury Report, Week 5

Game Status
DE Derrick Shelby (Groin) - Out
CB Justin Bethal (Knee) - Out
DT Grady Jarrett (Ankle/Knee) - Out

Friday, 10/5
OLB Vic Beasley Jr. (Ankle) - Limited
RB Tevin Coleman (Shin) - Full
RE Devonte Freeman (Knee) - Full
LB Foyesade Oluokun (Ankle) - Full
WR Mohamed Sanu (Hip) - Full
DE Derrick Shelby (Groin) - Limited
CB Justin Bethal (Knee) - DNP
DT Grady Jarrett (Ankle/Knee) - DNP
WR Julio Jones (Hand/Ankle) - Limited

Thursday, 10/4
OLB Vic Beasley Jr. (Ankle) - Limited
RB Tevin Coleman (Shin) - Full
RE Devonte Freeman (Knee) - Full
LB Foyesade Oluokun (Ankle) - Limited
WR Mohamed Sanu (Hip) - Full
DE Derrick Shelby (Groin) - Limited
CB Justin Bethal (Knee) - DNP
DT Grady Jarrett (Ankle/Knee) - DNP
WR Julio Jones (Hand/Ankle) - Limited

Wednesday, 10/3
OLB Vic Beasley Jr. (Ankle) - Limited
RB Tevin Coleman (Shin) - Limited
RE Devonte Freeman (Knee) - Limited
LB Foyesade Oluokun (Ankle) - Limited
WR Mohamed Sanu (Hip) - Limited
DE Derrick Shelby (Groin) - Limited
CB Justin Bethal (Knee) - DNP
DT Grady Jarrett (Ankle/Knee) - DNP
WR Julio Jones (Hand/Ankle) - DNP

https://www.steelers.com/news/week-5-injury-report-falcons

[Buzz]

Glad to hear Hilton will be back.

Burnett, will he play another game or two for us in 2018?