The Atlanta Falcons lost another heartbreaker in Week 5, falling 21-15 to the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers after nearly overcoming a 21-0 deficit. Making matters worse, the team lost two starters during Sunday’s game.
Linebackers Mykal Walker (groin) and Adetokunbo Ogundeji (shoulder) both exited the game early in the second half and did not return. While the Falcons have been notoriously tight-lipped when it comes to injury updates, Walker sounded optimistic about returning in Week 6.
“I’m going to get that checked tomorrow,” Walker told D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution after the game. “Right now, I’m feeling good. I should be ready to play next week.”
Walker, who’s playing his first season as a starter, has to be somewhat relieved to see the team finally trade linebacker Deion Jones. The Falcons sent Jones and a 2024 seventh-round pick to the Browns in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick Sunday night.
The trade prevents a potentially awkward situation where Jones would have had to serve as a third or fourth-string inside linebacker, or possibly even be released.
Atlanta’s third loss of the season was highlighted by what just about everybody agreed was a bad call on Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who sacked Tom Brady on third down in the fourth quarter.
The play would have given the Falcons the ball back with a chance to win the game with a touchdown, but the officials flagged Jarrett for a roughing the passer penalty, giving Buccaneers a first down. After the game, head coach Arthur Smith said he was proud of the way the team fought.
“I’m proud of our guys, said Smith. “We don’t ever think we’re out of the fight.”
