The Atlanta Falcons announced that AJ McCarron, the backup quarterback of the Falcons, will not be playing this season due to a torn ACL in the right knee.
McCarron injures his knee during Saturday's 37-17 preseason defeat to Miami. After handing Qadree Olson the ball, McCarron grabbed his knee. McCarron grasped McCarron's knee as he performed his usual post-handoff movements.
He attempted to get to the sidelines but was stopped by trainers and doctors who examined him on the field, then on the sidelines. Before he could make his way to the locker area, however. Feleipe Franks was undrafted and replaced him. He had competed with Franks for the backup position behind Matt Ryan but he has not played in this preseason.
Arthur Smith, Falcons coach, couldn't contain his grief for Saturday's loss.
Smith stated, "I feel so sorry for AJ McCarron." It's hard to believe that something like this can happen, even if it's not contact. I feel sorry for AJ. He's devastated and we'll get an MRI to confirm.
"He had bounced back, and he was out fighting, fighting for the team, and trying to get more yards."
McCarron completed 3 out of 6 passes for 43 yard. McCarron also ran for 7 yards before being tackled in Miami by Sam Eguavoen, the play just before he grabbed onto his right knee.
McCarron completed eight of 18 passes for 79 yards in the preseason. McCarron also intercepted one pass.
McCarron is out and Atlanta now has Ryan and Franks as its quarterbacks. Smith said Saturday night that if McCarron was out for a prolonged time, the team would consider acquiring another quarterback.
Free agency offers several options, including former first-round picks Blake Bortles and Robert Griffin III. Griffin III recently joined ESPN to be an NFL and college analyst. Josh Rosen is also available. Other quarterbacks may also be available as the teams are trying to reduce their roster to 80 by Tuesday afternoon.
