The Falcons will head to Tampa on Sunday with two more defensive holes to patch up.
Atlanta ruled out inside linebacker Divine Deablo and nickelback Billy Bowman Jr. on Saturday, after both had been listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report. Each player is dealing with the same injuries that kept them out of the Falcons’ Week 7 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
That puts even more pressure on a defense that has a tough assignment in front of it: slowing Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers in an NFC South matchup.
Deablo’s absence hits especially hard because of what he does beyond the tackles. He’s been one of the main communicators on the field, helping line up the defense and keep everyone in place.
Atlanta did get a strong answer from rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels when Deablo was out against San Francisco. Daniels took over the green dot duties and turned in one of the best games of his young career, piling up 11 total tackles and forcing two fourth-quarter turnovers to help seal the win.
The Falcons say Daniels is set to keep those communication responsibilities against Tampa Bay, with fellow rookie Harold Perkins Jr. starting next to him at inside linebacker.
Bowman’s injury leaves another opening in the secondary. He missed the 49ers game with a hamstring issue, and Sydney Brown handled most of the nickelback work in his place.
Brown could be in line for another expanded role on Sunday, though Atlanta is also hoping cornerback Avieon Terrell can return after sitting out last week with an illness. Terrell is listed as questionable.
Atlanta also made two practice squad elevations ahead of the game. Running back Khalil Herbert and linebacker Brian Asamoah were both elevated for the second straight week and will be available against the Buccaneers.
Herbert is again expected to back up Bijan Robinson, while Asamoah adds depth at linebacker.
The Falcons are coming off that key win over San Francisco, but doing it again without multiple defensive contributors will be a different test. With Deablo and Bowman officially out, Atlanta will be leaning on its younger players once more.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.
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