Overview
- Smith was knocked to the turf after a block and took a teammate’s left leg to the top of his head, prompting a lengthy stoppage and medical response on the field.
- Broadcasters first showed Smith largely motionless before he sat up, flexed his hands, smiled, and then walked to the locker room with trainers a few minutes later.
- Team officials have ruled him out for the game with a concussion and said he must clear the club’s and the NFL’s staged concussion protocol before returning to play.
- Atlanta will turn to its depth at outside rushers, including Samson Ebukam, Cameron Thomas, Yasir Abdullah and Brandon Dorlus, to replace Smith’s role in the 3-4 pass rush.
- Smith signed with the Falcons in part to honor his late mother’s wish that he play close to family, and his injury creates immediate concern for his health and for the team’s short-term defensive plans.