FLOWERY BRANCH (Ga.) -- The Atlanta Falcons won't have Russell Gage Jr. as wide receiver and A.J. Wilson as top cornerback. Terrell will be their opponent Sunday against the New York Giants to try and get their first win of this season.
Terrell sustained a concussion after he broke up a pass during Sunday's 48-25 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gage was injured in the Buccaneers' loss, but he won the game.
Atlanta could move in many directions to replace Gage. It could use more two-tight-end/two-running-back sets and line up either running back Cordarrelle Patterson or one of its tight ends, Kyle Pitts or Hayden Hurst, outside. The Falcons could have Olamide Zaccheaus or Tajae Sharpe as top receivers in two-receiver sets.
"You have to find solutions. Arthur Smith, Falcons coach, stated that this is the essence of the game. You need to be prepared for anything. There will be things. What's your strategy if you lose a man early in the game?
"You have to prepare for those things ahead of time and be flexible. This is what we are trying to create here and we expect other guys will step up."
Smith stated that they will be using it "week-to week" with Gage.
Atlanta will likely have T.J. Green in the secondary. He was originally trained camp as a safety and Fabian Moreau at cornerback. Smith said that fourth-round draft selection Darren Hall will play a larger role on Sunday, after being inactive for the first two weeks.
Green, 26 years old, was a second round pick by Indianapolis in 2016. He was also a part-time safety starter for the Colts in 2016, 2017 and 2016. Since then, he has been a player for Carolina, New Orleans, and Atlanta, appearing in five games, while starting none.
Jon Hoke, defensive backs coach, said that he has "really good length." He has excellent long speed and, for a tall man, I believe he has great short-area quickness. These are always a challenge for these guys. He has great physical attributes and is very knowledgeable about football. He is intuitive in his game."
Atlanta will be without rookie wide receiver Frank Darby, who is also out with a calf injury. Darby was not inactive for Atlanta's season opener, but he was a healthy scratch.
