The Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles will open the season Monday night at the Georgia Dome.
Although the Falcons have had some key players banged up throughout the preseason, they are relatively healthy going into Week 1. Receiver/kick returner Devin Hester will miss the game with turf toe on his right foot, while outside linebacker Brooks Reed wasn't expected to play anyhow coming off groin surgery.
That means Eric Weems, Nick Williams or rookie Justin Hardy will handle returns for Hester. As for Reed's starting spot at strong-side linebacker, Kroy Biermann is expected to fill the void in the base defense, but O'Brien Schofield will be on the field plenty in the nickel defense to combat the Eagles' spread attack.
Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews, who was sidelined by a strained back, is ready to go after getting an injection. A strong performance by Matthews as the line's anchor will be key against the intense pressure sure to be applied by the Eagles.
Linebacker Justin Durant, who had a foot injury at the end of the preseason, didn't even show up on the injury report leading up to the game.
Here is the full injury report breakdown for both teams:
FALCONS
Out: WR Devin Hester (turf toe), LB Brooks Reed (groin)
Probable: WR Roddy White (elbow), LT Jake Matthews (back), RB Devonta Freeman (hamstring), LB Joplo Bartu (quad), S Robenson Therezie (groin)
EAGLES
Questionable: TE Zach Ertz (groin), LB Marcus Smith (hamstring)
