Sept. 14, 2026, 11:32 a.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons had a few notable injuries going into their Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers and sustained a few more during Sunday’s 20-13 road loss. Defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand injured his leg and did not return, while guard Chris Lindstrom suffered a concussion in the second half.
Hand’s injury is more serious, though. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the veteran defensive tackle has a torn quad that will likely end his season after just one week.
“Da’Shawn Hand is believed to have suffered a torn quad that could require surgery and end his season, sources say,” said Rapoport. “Hand is receiving multiple opinions and a final diagnosis will tell the full story.”
Hand was a key depth piece along the front seven, so the team may look to bring back undrafted free agent Carlos Allen Jr. as a potential replacement. Allen played well in the preseason and impressed the Falcons’ coaches in training camp.
The team recently traded for defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, whose role could increase following the Hand injury. The Falcons already have one roster spot available but will likely have another soon, assuming Hand goes on the injured reserve list.
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Check back for an official statement from the team on Hand’s injury.
