Post by Guvmintcheeze on Oct 20, 2014 12:57:01 GMT
Falcons rookie James Stone has to be front and center
By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com
BALTIMORE -- Atlanta Falcons center Peter Konz suffered what one source called a "bad" knee injury, meaning the team will have to prepare to move forward with undrafted rookie James Stone at the position.
Konz was injured in the first half of Sunday's 29-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He was carted off the field and exited the stadium after the game on crutches. The source said Konz would not make the trip to London for the Falcons' matchup with the Detroit Lions.
ESPN Insider Adam Caplan confirmed Konz is scheduled to undergo an MRI on the knee. The worst-case scenario would be a torn ACL, while the best case would be a sprain.
Since the Falcons previously lost starting center Joe Hawley to a torn ACL, they'll have to rely on Stone, at least immediately. Harland Gunn would be the backup center.
Stone actually played better than expected Sunday in his first extensive action. Offensive line coach Mike Tice has liked Stone's size, quickness, and explosiveness from the outset.
"That's what we're here for is to be the next man up," Stone said. "If somebody goes down, you have to step in and try to keep going at the same level of intensity.
"I feel like there's definitely going to be some things that I have to do better; just being on the same page with the guys and making sure that everybody is on the same page. I'm going to go watch the film. There's definitely going to be some stuff that I can learn from and get better from."
If Konz is lost for the season, he would join Sam Baker (knee), Mike Johnson (foot), Lamar Holmes (foot), and Hawley (ACL) as offensive linemen on injured reserve.
By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com
BALTIMORE -- Atlanta Falcons center Peter Konz suffered what one source called a "bad" knee injury, meaning the team will have to prepare to move forward with undrafted rookie James Stone at the position.
Konz was injured in the first half of Sunday's 29-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He was carted off the field and exited the stadium after the game on crutches. The source said Konz would not make the trip to London for the Falcons' matchup with the Detroit Lions.
ESPN Insider Adam Caplan confirmed Konz is scheduled to undergo an MRI on the knee. The worst-case scenario would be a torn ACL, while the best case would be a sprain.
Since the Falcons previously lost starting center Joe Hawley to a torn ACL, they'll have to rely on Stone, at least immediately. Harland Gunn would be the backup center.
Stone actually played better than expected Sunday in his first extensive action. Offensive line coach Mike Tice has liked Stone's size, quickness, and explosiveness from the outset.
"That's what we're here for is to be the next man up," Stone said. "If somebody goes down, you have to step in and try to keep going at the same level of intensity.
"I feel like there's definitely going to be some things that I have to do better; just being on the same page with the guys and making sure that everybody is on the same page. I'm going to go watch the film. There's definitely going to be some stuff that I can learn from and get better from."
If Konz is lost for the season, he would join Sam Baker (knee), Mike Johnson (foot), Lamar Holmes (foot), and Hawley (ACL) as offensive linemen on injured reserve.