Facing the reigning Super Bowl Champions last week, the Falcons got off to a great start by scoring a TD within the first quarter. However, they couldn’t manage to build on that start, thereby eventually losing 17-22 in Atlanta. As they continue their preparation for this week’s test against the Saints, the Falcons may have been treated to good news ahead of the clash on Sunday.

Both RB Bijan Robinson (shoulder) and offensive linebacker Matthew Judon (hamstring) remained full participants in Friday’s practice. To make things sweeter, they are off the injury reserves but have yet to receive a game designation. Well, this would be a great relief for the Falcons, as they would have been sort of offensive players taking on the Saints.

With Robinson and Judon slated to play their part in Atlanta, offensive tackle Jake Matthews has also returned to the lineup. However, his wasn’t an injury as Matthews and his wife were blessed with their second child. Although the Falcons have been treated to good news on their injury front, all might not be too well in Atlanta.’

As right tackle Kaleb McGary got ruled out before this week’s clash on Sunday. This comes after the knee injury he suffered against the Chiefs, where early signs showed the injury to be “super bad.” Well, the Falcons also acted promptly to limit McGary’s MCL sprain by keeping out of Wednesday and Thursday’s practice sessions.

Instead of McGary, it could be reserve tackle Storm Norton starting this week in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Ryan Neuzil is slated to take over the center as Drew Dalman got added to the injury reserves after Sunday’s defeat. Amid all the absentees from the roster, Bijan Robinson’s comeback might be the biggest for the Falcons. 

Bijan Robinson’s importance to the Falcons

As the Falcons won by the narrowest margins in Philadelphia, 21-22, it was the fourth-best game in Robinson’s NFL career. Having led the Falcons’ offense alongside QB Kirk Cousins, Robinson finished with 14 carries for 97 yards and four catches to end his night in week 2. Amid this impressive performance, WR Drake London decided to praise the running back, “We expect nothing less from him. He is Bijan. He’s one of the better backs in the league. That’s who we expect him to be.”

Well, London wasn’t the only one proud of Bijan’s performance as offensive coordinator Zac Robinson shared, “I thought he saw the game really other night. He was hitting everything that was there. I know he feels like he left a couple things on the table, just in terms of attacking third level of the defense. But really, I mean, you love Bijan for everything he does for the team.” However, Bijan wasn’t ready to take those credits along as he expressed, “It was the O-line, Chris, Kaleb, Drew, Berg. I’m mission one more. Who am I missing? Jake Matthews, the main one.”

With Bijan Robinson slated to come back before the Saints clash, will the Falcons put up a strong show against the high-flying Saints? Or will it be the team from New Orleans who desperately wants to get back into the winning column after this week ? Only time will tell as we wait for more updates before the game kicks off on Saturday.