Atlanta Falcons linebacker Nate Landman is expected to play a key role for the team in his second season.
A year ago, Landman signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent and made quite an impression, solidifying himself a spot on the 53-man roster out of training camp.
Even though he was cut in December, Landman re-joined the practice squad and signed a futures deal in January. Now in his second training camp, Landman has picked up where he left off ... until Monday, when he left practice with a groin injury. Luckily for the Falcons, the injury doesn't appear to be too serious.
"Landman will be okay," coach Arthur Smith said. "Not concerned about Landman long term, but like a lot of guys, like Drew [Dalman] and Chris [Lindstrom] there's give and take—try to be really smart. I'll always say there's nothing more important than the health and safety of our players, certainly this team. So, we'll take it case by case. Nate's had a good camp and Nate will be alright."
Last season, Landman played in seven games, recording a tackle and a quarterback hit while playing 67 snaps on special teams (38 percent of team's total) and 22 snaps on defense (just five percent).
Now, he'll look to build on those numbers in his second season with the team once he returns from injury.
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