NW Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons are set to face the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, following their bye week. The Falcons, currently holding a 6-5 record, have recently faced setbacks with losses against Denver and New Orleans. They hope to bounce back with a win over the Chargers, who stand at 7-4.

Injury updates reveal that starting cornerback Mike Hughes remains out due to a neck injury, allowing Clark Phillips III to continue as a starter alongside A.J. Terrell. Defensive backs Dee Alford, Kevin King, and Antonio Hamilton Sr., however, have been cleared to play. Kicker Younghoe Koo is listed as questionable but was reported as a full participant in practice on Friday.

For the Falcons' inside linebacker room, Nate Landman might start alongside Kaden Elliss with Troy Andersen potentially returning after an absence since Week 4. Center Drew Dalman is expected back from an ankle injury, while tight end Charlie Woerner returns after missing the Denver game due to concussion protocols.

On the Chargers' side, running back J.K. Dobbins will miss the game due to an MCL sprain sustained earlier in the week. Gus Edwards and Kimani Vidal are expected to lead their rushing efforts in his absence.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has been noted for his precision and explosive plays this season, throwing only one interception so far. Despite Atlanta's struggles in limiting opposing quarterbacks' completion rates—currently over 70%—they rank well in preventing explosive plays.

Offensively for Atlanta, scoring remains crucial as they are undefeated when scoring at least 20 points but winless below that threshold this season. Penalties have notably impacted their offensive efficiency; reducing these could be key for success moving forward.

Matthew Judon has been highlighted as a potential "Player of the Game" if he can disrupt Herbert’s performance effectively on Sunday.