Chris

Lindstrom

Lindstrom and fellow offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron (ankle) were questionable heading into the weekend. Both are active, as is EDGE Leonard Floyd. The Falcons declared WR Drake London, RB Nathan Carter, ILB Josh Woods, OL Michael Jerrell, WR Casey Washington, DL Elijah Garcia, and DL Khalid Kareem inactive for Week 12 against the Saints.

So is Matthew Bergeron (ankle), who has missed the last two weeks with this ankle injury. Lindstrom is almost certain to go, but continues to be listed as questionable as they manage his injury. Bergeron is more of a true question mark.

Lindstrom practiced for the first time all week on Friday while dealing with a painful foot injury that he’s been managing through the last few weeks. He’ll probably attempt to give it a go against the Panthers on Sunday. The Falcons ruled out fellow guard Matthew Bergeron (ankle) for the second week in a row. Bergeron was replaced by Kyle Hinton last week in Germany.

Lindstrom played through the foot issue last week and only missed one snap in the overtime loss to Indianapolis. The DNP today is hopefully just a maintenance day. If the foot issue got worse in Week 10, Jovaughn Gwyn would seemingly be in line to start in his place.

Lindstrom was a DNP on Wednesday but logged limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. The veteran guard has appeared in all eight games for the Falcons this season, earning a PFF grade of 74.1 while appearing on 508 offensive snaps. His limited practices to close out the week are a good sign for his availability, but if he’s unable to go, backup Kyle Hinton would likely draw the start in his absence.

Andersen was limited in practice this week but has a chance to suit up for the first time since Week 4. His return would be a welcomed one for a Falcons defense that ranks 19th in points and yards allowed per game, and has struggled recently against the running game. In addition to Andersen, the Falcons also listed C Drew Dalman (ankle) and LG Chris Lindstrom(knee) as questionable.

Lindstrom suffered the ankle issue in Week 14. He entered Sunday listed as questionable but was ruled out after testing things out in pre-game warmups. Left tackle Jake Matthews is active, but both members of the right side of the Falcons’ line are out.

Lindstrom left in the second quarter with an apparent leg injury. His absence now leaves the Falcons without four starters on the offensive line, leaving a rag-tag group of lineman protecting Desmond Ridder, who has already been sack-fumbled into a safety against the Buccaneers. Lindstrom is questionable to return.

First reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Lindstrom will remain in Atlanta under what’s being called a “mega extension”. The Falcons made Lindstrom the 14th overall pick of the 2019 and will retain him through the 2028 season. A 2022 Pro Bowler and Second-team All-Pro, Lindstrom was set to play 2023 under his fifth-year rookie option.

Drafted in 2019, Lindstrom only played five games as a rookie because of a foot injury. His lack of experience showed as a rookie, but he improved in each of the next two seasons. In 2021, Pro Football Focus ranked him as their No. 6 guard. He allowed 31 pressures, but none of them resulted in a sack, and he was graded as an elite run-blocker by PFF. After an impressive third campaign, Lindstrom has more than earned the $13.2 million he will make on the option in 2023.