Justin Blalock, Harry Douglas ruled out for Atlanta Falcons

After losing two starting linemen earlier this week for the rest of the season (Joe Hawley and Lamar Holmes), the Atlanta Falcons got more injury news–more short term–with Justin Blalock and Harry Douglas being ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Giants:

Neither player practiced with the team this week. Blalock is still recovering from a back issue and Douglas has a lingering foot injury that he is dealing with. The biggest loss is definitely the loss of Blalock, as the offensive line has already been hit hard by injuries.

According to this ESPN story by Vaughn McClure, offensive line coach Mike Tice is still confident in the players who will be stepping up on the offensive line this weekend:

"“We have to groom the next wave of guys,” Tice said. “But the guys that we have active this week — the seven and including [Blalock] — we have eight guys that can play winning football in the National Football League.”"

Filling in for Hawley, Holmes and now Blalock will be center Peter Konz, right tackle Gabe Carimi and left guard Harland Gunn. As for replacing Douglas at wide receiver, the most likely outcome will simply be more touches and chances for Devin Hester.

For more on the Falcons matchup with the Giants this weekend, be sure to check out our game preview here.