Trey

Lewis

At one point a promising nose-tackle prospect out of D-II Washburn, Lewis has flamed out of the NFL due to persistent knee injuries and an inability to push the pocket. He was one of new Bears GM Phil Emery’s 2007 draft picks in Atlanta.

Lewis, who played collegiately at Washburn, is being looked at as a potential nose tackle in Mike Zimmer’s defense. He’s a pretty unknown commodity.

Montavious Stanley, who the Falcons signed after being released by Dallas, and rookie Trey Lewis took their roster spots.

Lewis was blocked low and appeared to suffer a lower leg injury. He was helped off the field, and Montavious Stanley replaced him.

Atlanta’s last coaching staff was super high on the Washburn alum, but the new regime won’t count on him. The Journal-Constitution suggests the team may bring back free agent Grady Jackson, who played for Mike Smith in 2007.

An unheralded sixth-round pick from Washburn, Lewis worked his way into the Falcons’ starting lineup after Grady Jackson’s release. Atlanta doesn’t have a viable alternative at nose tackle and this will hurt the run defense.

Both were hurt in the Falcons’ Week 11 loss to the Bucs, further crippling a sub-par defense. With a short week, the Falcons will be scrambling to replace them and Colts RB Joseph Addai could have a field day on Thursday.

Jerry, who earned a starting job out of training camp, will likely be replaced in the lineup by a rotation of Thomas Johnson and Trey Lewis, who have far less pass-rush ability. Jerry’s loss also won’t help an Atlanta run defense that is already serving up 5.1 yards per carry (sixth worst in the league).

A 2005 fifth-round pick and starter last season, Lewis needed surgery after re-injuring his torn ACL by falling down a flight of stairs in March. Lewis will eligible to return in Week 7, but is in serious danger of missing the entire season.