Damontae Kazee carted off field with Achilles injury

Atlanta Falcons starting safety Damontae Kazee was carted off the field after going down with a non-contact injury.

The Atlanta Falcons entered Lambeau Field with the intent of earning their first win of the 2020 NFL season. However, Atlanta’s struggling and unhealthy defense might have been handed a significant blow.

Late in the second quarter, starting safety Damontae Kazee went down with a non-contact left leg injury. Kazee immediately grabbed his leg and threw his helmet across the field in frustration. Sadly, he couldn’t walk off the field under his own power and had to leave via cart.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reported the worst: it’s an Achilles injury for Kazee.

An injury to Damontae Kazee was the last thing the Falcons needed

The safety position has been hammered with injuries as it is. Keanu Neal was ruled out for the Green Bay game due to a hamstring injury that limited him in practice throughout the week. Ricardo Allen, on the other hand, missed the past two weeks with an elbow injury. That forced the Falcons to start Kazee and rookie Jaylinn Hawkins for Monday evening.

Atlanta’s cornerback depth chart took a hit as well. 2020 first-round selection A.J. Terrell has been out after being placed on the league’s COVID-19/reserve list. Free-agent signing Darqueze Dennard was placed on the team’s injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

Through the first three games of the season, Kazee tallied 15 total tackles and one forced fumble. Kazee was targeted just three times by the opposing quarterback, allowing two receptions for 25 yards.

Atlanta could ill-afford any further injuries to their defense. Sadly, it appears as though Kazee will be out long-term based off the way he left the field and the team’s official announcement.