Falcons Star Cornerback Out For Week 9

The Atlanta Falcons have been one of the surprise teams in the NFL thus far in 2022, and despite having a record of 4-4 through 8 weeks, they sit with sole possession of first place in the NFC South, even though they've dealt with some major injury issues. One of those issues won't be resolved in Week 9, as star cornerback A.J. Terrell will miss the crucial matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, and with their bye week coming in Week 11, there's a chance that he doesn't return until he's fully fit following that week.

#Falcons CB AJ Terrell (hamstring) and LG Elijah Wilkinson (knee) are out for Sunday’s game against the Chargers, according to Arthur Smith. Cordarrelle Patterson decision will be made on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/TKVtzkfhDQ

— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) November 4, 2022

The Chargers are likely to be without their top two receivers in Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, and with a talented safety beyond Terrell, this is a good chance for Atlanta to step up and prove that they belong in the playoff picture in the NFC. A.J. missed Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers, and while his numbers this season don't reflect how good he has been, he remains one of the elite cornerbacks in the NFL, and when he does return, it will be a major boost to a playoff push for this Falcons squad.

In his third year, Terrell has solidified himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the entire league, with 1 sack and 4 interceptions over his first two seasons, and if he can stay healthy, there's absolutely no reason why a talented young Falcons team can't make a playoff run in 2022.

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports