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The middle of the Atlanta Falcons ' defense received a boost ahead of Sunday's road game against the New York Jets.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith announced following practice Friday that linebacker Nate Landman is expected to play after missing practice Wednesday and being limited Thursday with a thigh injury.
Landman ascended into a starting role after Atlanta lost linebacker Troy Andersen to injured reserve with a pectoral injury; Smith has previously said Andersen is likely to miss the remainder of the season.
Andersen's absence opened the door for Landman to step in and he's largely shined, currently sitting tied for third on the team in tackles with 73 while adding four tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception.
If an unexpected problem arises, Landman will be replaced by veteran linebacker Andre Smith Jr., who's played in five games and made one tackle.
Elsewhere, the Falcons officially ruled receiver Mack Hollins (ankle) and cornerback Mike Hughes (hand) as questionable. Hollins has missed each of the past two games and was limited in practice throughout the week.
Should Hughes be unable to play, rookie cornerback Clark Phillips III will ascend into a larger role in Atlanta's secondary, much like he did when starting nickel Dee Alford missed Week 10 against the Arizona Cardinals.
In relief of Alford, Phillips allowed only one reception on four targets - but was inactive in Week 12 when Atlanta returned from its bye week.
The Falcons (5-6) and Jets (4-7) are set to kick off at 1 p.m. EST Sunday inside MetLife Stadium.
More must-reads:
- NFL schedule release primer: Week 1 games, other intriguing matchups
- Highlighting NFC South blockbuster games of 2024 season
- The 'Super Bowl starting QBs' quiz
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