The Atlanta Falcons have some positive momentum heading into their Week 7 contest against the San Francisco 49ers. After handing the Buffalo Bills their second straight loss on Monday Night Football in Week 6, the Falcons have proven that they can hang with the best teams in the league when they play their brand of football.
Another tough challenge awaits on Sunday Night Football against the 49ers, but the Falcons have made it clear that they cannot be counted out, no matter who their opponent is. Further aiding their cause is the fact that the team received some reinforcements along their defensive line before this game in the form of Ta’Quon Graham.
Falcons Activate Ta’Quon Graham from Injured Reserve
The Falcons have been growing on the fly this season after appointing Michael Penix Jr. as their starting quarterback. A big reason for their early success has been the play of their defense, which is fresh off holding Josh Allen and the Bills to just 14 points last week, which is very impressive considering how impressive that unit has been so far this season.
And now, they appear to be getting even more help up front in the form of veteran defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham. A former fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Graham has spent four seasons with the team, typically filling a depth role on their defensive line. Last season, Graham picked up 12 tackles over 10 games of action.
During training camp, Graham picked up a calf injury that the team initially wasn’t too concerned about. It ended up landing him on injured reserve, though, which is where he has spent the first five games of the season. Graham is set to make his return, though, as he was officially activated from injured reserve ahead of the team’s upcoming clash with the 49ers.
“The Atlanta Falcons activated defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham from injured reserve and placed cornerback Clark Phillips III on injured reserve,” Terrin Waack wrote for the team’s official website on Saturday.
Falcons Looking to Earn Second Straight Win in Week 7
GettyAtlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix.
Graham isn’t exactly a game changer, but he will give the Falcons some much-needed depth on their offensive line, and he could make an immediate impact against the run in Week 7, considering how the team will be going up against Christian McCaffrey. If Atlanta can keep McCaffrey quiet, that could make life tough on Mac Jones as he attempts to try to piece things together again for the 49ers on offense.
San Francisco is battered by injuries, but that hasn’t mattered much for them so far, as they have a 4-2 record through six games. They are going to provide Atlanta a challenge, no matter who is on the field for them, so the Falcons are going to have to be at their best on both sides of the ball. Kickoff for this primetime clash is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET, and if Atlanta can earn its fourth win of the season in this one, it could quickly emerge as a serious playoff contender.
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