Falcons without key member of coaching staff after pregame collision: Updates on Dean Pees’ health

Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees had to be transported to a hospital after a New Orleans Saints player collided with him during Sunday’s pre-game warmups.

Dean Pees was not available to coordinate the Atlanta Falcons defense, as he was involved in a pre-game collision with a New Orleans Saints player during a kickoff or punting drill and had to be transported to a nearby hospital after being carted off the field.

Given that Pees is in his early 70s, the Falcons took every precaution with their defensive coordinator. Linebackers coach Frank Bush served as the Falcons’ defensive play caller, while Pees underwent medical testing at University Medical Center New Orleans.

He was described as alert, stable and responsive, according to the team. It was excellent news regarding Pees’ health, but Atlanta is now even more shorthanded.

Here is the official statement Atlanta sent out regarding the health of its defensive coordinator, shared by Ian Rapoport.

Atlanta Falcons down defensive coordinator Dean Pees after pre-game collision

Even though this was a battle of two sub-.500 teams in the worst division in football, the Falcons and Saints absolutely hate each other. These pillar organizations of the NFC South came into the NFL one year after each other in the 1960s. New Orleans may be a game back of the Falcons in the division, but the Saints won the Week 1 matchup in Atlanta after another Falcons meltdown.

With the Saints’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance at 4-9, they need to win out and get some help to live to fight another day. As for the Falcons, they still have a shot at winning this putrid division, but cannot drop any more rivalry games such as this one. Furthermore, the Dirty Birds made a change at quarterback during their bye week by letting rookie Desmond Ridder take over.

Overall, Pees’ health is more important than anything. This was not a season in which the Falcons were expected to do very much. They have already reached a win total of five games with four left to play. Some people had their doubts this team could be anything more than a 5-12 team with all the dead cap they are carrying. Huge credit to Arthur Smith, Pees and the rest of the Falcons staff.

The Falcons did provide some great news about Pees midway through Sunday afternoon’s game in New Orleans.

"“Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees has been treated and released from University Medical Center New Orleans following an on-field pregame collision,” said the Falcons in an official statement. “He will rejoin the Falcons for the flight back to Atlanta.”"

Atlanta’s update about Coach Pees is fantastic news. Him being able to rejoin the team on the short flight home back to Atlanta after Week 15’s conclusion is exactly what everyone was hoping for. With the holiday season upon us, these are the kind of things that matter just a little bit more. Presents are great, but friends, family and health are way more important. This is incredible news!

Win or lose, the Falcons will all be flying home together after their big rivalry game with the Saints.