The Atlanta Falcons will be trying to get a winning streak going on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unfortunately, they will have to find a way to do it without tight end Austin Hooper once again.
Hooper was unable to play in the 29-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 11 due to an MCL sprain. According to ESPN's Vaughn McClure, he will not be available versus the Bucs either:
Austin Hooper (MCL) won’t play vs. Bucs but wouldn’t be surprised if he’s out trying to run a little bit on Thursday. Dan Quinn already said both Hooper and Devonta Freeman (foot) wouldn’t practice Wednesday although both were trending up. I could see Hooper playing vs. Saints
Hooper's absence undoubtedly leaves a notable void in Atlanta's passing game. Although the injury will keep him sidelined for another game, the prospect of him returning for their NFC South showdown with the New Orleans Saints in Week 13 is certainly an encouraging one.
Hooper has been one of the best tight ends in the league during the 2019 NFL season. Despite now being set to miss two games, he is still in the midst of a stellar year with 56 receptions for 608 yards and six touchdowns.
With hooper out, the Falcons will likely once again rely on their tandem of backups to help fill the void. Tight end Luke Stocker played 66 percent of the offensive snaps versus the Panthers while Jaeden Graham took on more of a pass-catching role with two receptions for 23 yards.
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