The Falcons have an issue on the offensive line with Matt Gono indefinitely out following an undisclosed surgery. Though he wasn’t going to move the needle much, he provided solid depth at multiple positions. Terry Fontenot elected to bring in former second-round pick Jason Spriggs as a replacement swing tackle. Originally drafted 48th overall in the 2016 draft by the Packers, Spriggs has played in 44 games since entering the league.
Injuries have really plagued Spriggs’ career. Being the only Packers rookie to play all 16 games in 2016, he missed time in every season after that. In 2017, he started the season on injured reserve with a hamstring injury but was activated in Weeks 12-16 before a knee injury sent him back to the injured reserve for the final week of the season. In 2018, Spriggs missed a game with an ankle injury then later missed the last two weeks of the season after suffering a concussion. In 2019, he had elbow and trapezius injuries that kept him on the injured reserve prior to the season. Green Bay decided not to bring him back after his fourth season. Though he played predominately right tackle, he has starts at guard as well.
Spriggs is a reserve player that can provide below average play at multiple positions — the only attractive characteristic he has. His length is impressive and ideal in pass sets, but his base indicates struggles against powerful rushers and in the run game. His athletsim bodes well for the outside zone running scheme, but Falcons fans shouldn’t expect things to go well if he’s thrusted into the lineup. I still expect Fontenot to add to the offensive line before the season, but for now, this is Atlanta’s best option at the position.
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