Report: Jake Matthews receives positive news from MRI

UPDATE: Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that Matthews received positive news from the MRI, and could be available in Week Two. The Falcons have not released any additional information at this time.

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The Atlanta Falcons snatched a victory, seemingly from nowhere, over the New Orleans Saints in week one, but not everything about Sunday’s game was positive for the future of the 2014 squad. First round pick and starting left tackle Jake Matthews suffered an ankle injury that caused him to miss the second half of the festivities, and as a result, the offensive line was considerably weakened in his absence. Now, Vaughn McClure of ESPN reports that the team is seeking an MRI on the injured ankle.

Here is what McClure had to say about the prognosis:

"According to a medical source familiar with NFL team protocol, MRIs of the ankle are typical following a high-ankle sprain. Such an injury can be a 4-to-6 week recovery, the source said. But that doesn’t mean Matthews will fall under the same timetable."

In addition, he provided a quote from head coach Mike Smith from the post-game:

"“No, I don’t have any word,” Smith said of Matthews immediately after the game. “He wasn’t able to return to the game. That will be something that over the next couple of days, we will be able to update you guys on. Probably Wednesday.”"

Needless to say, the status of Matthews is extremely important, especially in week two against a dynamic Cincinnati Bengals defense. Atlanta’s offensive line is vastly improved from the 2013 edition, but at the same time, Gabe Carimi is not a starting-caliber left tackle in today’s NFL, and that could quickly become a serious issue if Matthews is sidelined for a long period of time.

Stay tuned.