Throughout OTAs, Atlanta Falcons headlines have understandably been ruled by the team's exciting rookies and the saga of Kirk Cousins. Whether or not the veteran was holding out and what his future holds is the first topic many fans and pundits gravitate towards. It is understandable when you consider the level of investment the franchise has put into the star quarterback. However, this has left a lot of what should be getting attention overlooked.
This includes the future of Troy Andersen and current questions about the linebacker's health.
It is easy to see the team's defensive regression after Andersen was lost for much of the 2024 season. Months later, it seems there are still questions about the defender's health as he hasn't taken part in practice throughout OTAs. While the defender is in the building and has even appeared on the field, there have yet to be any reps.
Falcons Should Already Be Worried About Injury-Prone Troy Andersen
As outlined above, the team is under no obligation to disclose exactly what injury is keeping players off the field. For an organization that already has existing injury management questions, this only adds additional mystery. For Andersen, it could be as simple as the team holding out a player who has proven to consistently find injuries. Giving additional time for the defender to get his body fully healthy and prepared for the 2025 season.
For Pitts, there has been the suggestion that perhaps holding the tight-end out isn't a legitimate injury concern but an effort to trade the pass catcher. Regardless, it is eye-catching that both players are yet to take the field for Atlanta.
With the offseason departure of Nate Landman, having Andersen completely healthy is paramount to the Atlanta defense. The team plans to use rookie Jalon Walker primarily as an edge rushing option. This severely limits what the Falcons can do in the middle of their defense if Andersen misses any substantial time. It could be headlined as one of the few areas the team lacks any depth. With this in mind, the injury situation should be closely monitored by Falcons fans as we head into the summer.