Yardbarker
x
Falcons LB Davis OUT vs. Titans, Dupree Questionable
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

When the Atlanta Falcons take the field at Nissan Stadium in this Sunday's road contest against the Tennessee Titans, it'll mark the start of a reunion for several former players and coaches.

But after releasing Friday's injury report, it appears the Falcons may be without one of the players eyeing a revenge game.

Atlanta officially listed starting outside linebacker Bud Dupree, who played for the Titans in each of the past two years, as questionable for Sunday with a groin injury.

Backup inside linebacker and special teams contributor Tae Davis (concussion) has been ruled out, leaving the Falcons with only two active linebackers - starters Kaden Elliss and Nate Landman

There are viable replacements on the practice squad, with Andre Smith Jr. and Milo Eifler both bringing professional experience to the table.

Smith Jr., a 53-game NFL veteran, has played in two contests for Atlanta this season, seeing 23 total special teams snaps. Falcons coach Arthur Smith said in September that he enjoys having the 26-year-old linebacker in the program and has a lot of confidence in him if he's thrust onto the field for defensive snaps.

Eifler doesn't have as much experience as Smith Jr. but still brings knowledge to the table, having played in 13 games across the past two years for the Washington Commanders.

Whoever receives the elevation will take over a big role on special teams, as Davis played 84 percent of Atlanta's snaps in the game's third phase.

If Dupree is out, the Falcons will likely give bigger roles to Lorenzo Carter and Arnold Ebiketie, who have a combined eight quarterback hits, four tackles for loss and three-and-a-half sacks.

As for Tennessee, quarterback Ryan Tannehill (ankle) was ruled out Friday, handing the keys over to either rookie Will Levis or second-year pro Malik Willis.

The Titans also ruled out tight end Josh Whyle (concussion) and cornerback Roger McCreary (hamstring). Defensive tackle Naquan Jones was declared questionable after missing Friday's practice with an illness.

Atlanta and Tennessee will kick off at 1 p.m. EST.

This article first appeared on FanNation Falcon Report and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.