ESPN, among others, is reporting that Atlanta Falcons running back T.J. Duckett will be out for at least two weeks. He is scheduled to undergo minor arthroscopic surgery on his left knee today.
That giant rumbling sound you heard was the line on the Panthers-Falcons game shifting…
This is very interesting timing. Duckett rushed for four touchdowns in the Falcons’ division-clinching win over the Raiders on Sunday, and his punishing downhill running style provides a good contrast with Warrick Dunn’s speed around the corners and Michael Vick’s scrambling ability. With their playoff position fairly solid, the Falcons are clearly preparing for the long haul here, and they want to make sure Duckett is 100% ready to go on January 16.
Perhaps they’re also saying that they can beat the Panthers without Duckett, who had 17 carries for 58 yards and one TD in Atlanta’s 20-14 OT win against Carolina last season. Vick ran the wildest in that game, though, and he has plagued the Panthers throughout his career. Still, it will be interesting to see how Duckett’s absense affects the outcome of this game…