The Falcons jumped into first place in the NFC South on Sunday by beating the Panthers 19-17, but the win may have come with a heavy price in their secondary.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that cornerback Robert Alford broke his wrist during the contest. Alford, a second-round pick in 2013, has started every game for Atlanta this season.
Alford hasn’t always played well, as evidenced by the Falcons’ dismal rating as a passing defense this season, but it’s not like the Falcons have a lot in reserve that’s likely to step into the lineup and play at the same level in the coming weeks. Robert McClain replaced Alford on Sunday and would likely be the next man up for an extended stay in the lineup across from Desmond Trufant.
The Falcons host the Browns and Cardinals over the next two weeks as they try to continue their turnaround from 2-6 to a playoff spot granted to the winner of an underwhelming NFC South.
UPDATE 2:41 p.m. ET: Falcons coach Mike Smith said Monday that Alford is expected to miss 2-4 weeks.