Commanders at Falcons
Kickoff: 1 p.m., Mercedes-Benz Stadium
TV: CBS
Records: Falcons 1-2, Commanders 2-1
Outlook: The Falcons played their worst game in a while in a 30-0 drubbing by the Carolina Panthers, as Michael Penix Jr. and the offense struggled to get anything going. The Commanders have a litany of injuries, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, but they handled the Las Vegas Raiders last week with Marcus Mariota.
FLOWERY BRANCH — Here’s the Falcons’ official injury report for Sunday's game against the Commanders.
- Out
- WR KhaDarel Hodge (groin)
- CB A.J. Terrell (hamstring)
- RB Nathan Carter (hamstring)
- Questionable
- N/A
- Doubtful
- N/A
Here are three key matchups to watch when the Falcons (1-2) host the Commanders (2-1) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
1. Falcons CB Mike Hughes vs. Commanders WR Deebo Samuel: Hughes has had a strong start to the season. He’s holding things together with the other starting cornerback, A.J. Terrell, out because of a hamstring injury. Samuel was acquired March 12 in a trade with the 49ers for a fifth-round pick. He leads the Commanders in receptions with 16 for 132 yards and a touchdown. He has four rushes for 37 yards and a touchdown. “He does everything,” Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. “His versatility is his superpower. He’s so interesting. … He just gets the ball and then breaks 17 tackles.”
2. Falcons RB Bijan Robinson vs. Commanders LB Bobby Wagner: With the offense trying to find its way, the Falcons will attempt to lean on Robinson, who has 47 carries for 239 yards and 14 catches for 164 yards and a touchdown. Wagner, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, is one of the premier downhill linebackers in the NFL.
3. Falcons WR Drake London vs. Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore: London has 16 catches for 159 yards. He had a fumble against the Vikings. Lattimore, the former Saints standout, was cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol and returned to practice. He was injured and didn’t finish the game against the Raiders.
After Sunday's 30-0 loss at Carolina, the Falcons (1-2) are looking to bounce back and get to .500, with a home matchup against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
About the Author
