Falcons to face shorthanded Panthers as Carolina loses $26 million man

The Falcons have had their fair share of injuries, particularly at the linebacker position; however, more often than not thus far, Atlanta has had the health advantage over their opponents.

NFL: NOV 10 Falcons at Panthers

The Buccaneers, Saints, and Steelers were shorthanded along the offensive line. The Bucs were without All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and the Eagles were without All-Pro A.J. Brown in their respective matchups with the Falcons as well.

Atlanta has seen Nate Landman and Troy Andersen go down in the early parts of the season, with Drew Dalman and Kaleb McGary missing some time as well. But once again, the Falcons could likely have the health advantage in Week 6.

According to Ian Rapoport, the Panthers lost starting center Austin Corbett to a bicep injury, ending his season.

The Falcons have dealt with their fair share of injuries along the offensive front, as mentioned earlier. Dalman still remains on the injured reserve but is expected back before the end of the month, while McGary returned last week against the Bucs.

Corbett was a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, playing parts of his first two seasons in Cleveland before the Browns traded him to the Rams in 2019. He’d go on to start every game with Los Angeles in 2020 and 2021 before the Panthers gave him over $26 million in free agency.

He started every game for Carolina in 2022 but missed most of last season due to a knee injury. Atlanta will travel to Charlotte, and Raheem Morris has an excellent chance to take a stranglehold on the NFC South.

The Falcons haven’t yet consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks this season at any point. If the pass rush can’t do it this week against a bad and shorthanded Panthers team, I’m afraid it’s never going to happen.

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Photographer: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire

The Braves have a lot of decisions to make on their own free agents as well as guys who have contract options for next season, some of which are a lot more obvious than others.

Marcell Ozuna — $16 million option, $1 million buyout

The Braves are going to pick up Marcell Ozuna’s option because it is a good contract, but that’s not necessarily a guarantee he’ll be on the Opening Day roster. As I’ve talked about, it’s highly unlikely both Ozuna and Jorge Soler are kept, meaning one is likely to be traded. Ozuna hasn’t played defense in years, and it’s probably best if we never see Soler in the outfield again for the remainder of his career based on his defense this year after being acquired at the trade deadline. One of them is going to be dealt, and while it will most likely be Soler, the Braves could listen to offers on Ozuna as well.

Aaron Bummer — $7.25 million option, $1.25 million buyout

Another pretty cut and dry decision, the Braves will also pick up the option of Aaron Bummer. He was spectacular for the final five months of the season, and the Braves don’t have many reliable left-handed relief options with A.J. Minter set to test free agency.

Luke Jackson — $7 million option, $2 million buyout

Luke Jackson has had a lot of amazing moments during his multiple stints with the Braves, but after posting a 5.09 ERA across 52 appearances in 2024, there’s no chance his $7 million option is picked up.

Travis d’Arnaud — $8 million option, no buyout

Not only will the Braves pick up Travis d’Arnaud’s option for 2025, but a contract extension might be in the cards, guaranteeing his salary for next season and adding another $8 million option for 2026.

Whit Merrifield — $8 million option, $1 million buyout

The Braves actually got quite a bit out of Merrifield after he was designated for assignment by the Phillies. Atlanta likely doesn’t make the postseason without him, but there’s no chance they pick up his $8 million option for 2025.