The Falcons are on the verge of losing one of their top pass-rushers for an extended period of time.
Defensive lineman Adrian Clayborn tore the medical collateral ligament in his left knee and is expected to miss the next month, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Clayborn also has meniscus damage, the extent of which has not yet been determined.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn did not provide an update on Clayborn's status during his Monday news conference. Clayborn underwent an MRI Monday morning and is scheduled to have his knee further examined to determine the severity of the meniscus damage.
The Falcons have five games remaining, which means there is potential for Clayborn to return before the end of the season. There is also potential for season-ending surgery related to the meniscus.
Clayborn, a former first-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, currently stands second on the team with 4.5 sacks and leads the team with 15 quarterback hits. Vic Beasley Jr. leads the Falcons in sacks with 9.5.
Losing Clayborn for any period of time puts the onus on Beasley and seven-time Pro Bowler Dwight Freeney to keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Clayborn got accustomed to rushing alongside Freeney on the right side as the two developed a rhythm running stunts. Now Freeney might have to adjust to a new body alongside him, such as Brooks Reed or even linebacker Philip Wheeler, who played some defensive end in Sunday's 38-19 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Falcons have improved dramatically in pressuring opposing quarterbacks, with 24 sacks through 11 games. Last season, the Falcons had a league-low 19 sacks in 16 games.
With Pro Bowl cornerback Desmond Trufant set to be lost for the season following pectoral surgery, the Falcons find themselves a little shorthanded on defense. Trufant's absence put a little more weight on the defensive line to generate pressure and, in turn, alleviate some of the pressure on Trufant's replacement, Jalen Collins. Now the Falcons have to find another complement for Beasley and Freeney, in terms of getting after the passer. Clayborn was capable of rushing either off the edge or from the interior.
The Falcons lost one defensive lineman for the season when Derrick Shelby suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. They also lost linebacker Sean Weatherspoon to a season-ending Achilles tear.
The 7-4 Falcons remain atop the NFC South heading into Sunday's matchup with pass-rush specialist Justin Houston and the 8-3 Chiefs.
