Falcons LT Jake Matthews’ ankle x-rays come up negative

Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) comes off of the field with an apparent injury in the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) comes off of the field with an apparent injury in the first half of the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons may have the most exciting offensive line in the country. Perhaps it’s because they selected Jake Matthews sixth overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. Perhaps it’s because they lost their starting left tackle Sam Baker to an injury for the season. It’s probably because they were featured on HBO’s Hard Knox. The latest new on the Falcons’ o-line? Jake Matthews’ ankle x-rays came up negative.

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After playing well, the Texas A&M product left the game late in the second quarter. He spent half of the game with his left foot in a boot. The Falcons went on to upset the Saints in overtime, 37-34.

Presumably, there isn’t damage to the bones, but Matthews’ missed time could still be substantial. Though it isn’t known, a high ankle sprain could be a realistic possibility. So his injury isn’t season ending, but it could require several weeks of rehab. Nothing is certain, yet. The MRI, schedule for Monday, will reveal the extent of injury or sprain.

Gabe Carimi replaced Matthews at left tackle on Sunday with Lamar Holmes remaining as the team’s right tackle. That could continue to be the solution.

Mike Smith discussed the injury following the game on Sunday.

“No, I don’t have any word,” Smith said of Matthews, via ESPN.com. “He wasn’t able to return to the game. That will be something that over the next couple of days, we will be able to update you guys on. Probably Wednesday.”

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