ATLANTA -- Atlanta Falcons right guard Brandon Fusco was knocked out of Monday night's 23-20 win over the New York Giants with an ankle injury.
Fusco appeared to injure his right ankle in the first half and was carted off the field. Early in the second half, the team announced that the eighth-year veteran wouldn't return.
Ben Garland replaced Fusco in the lineup at right guard. The Falcons previously lost their starting left guard when veteran Andy Levitre suffered a season-ending triceps injury. Wes Schweitzer took over for Levitre.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn did not immediately provide an update on Fusco's status after the game. Fusco's teammates remained optimistic.
"You definitely don't want to see that, and it's a rough, but I really wish Brandon heals up quickly,'' center Alex Mack said. "He's a great teammate and great player. I really like him, and I want him next to me. But that's not how it always goes. And Ben is more than capable of stepping up."
Said right tackle Ryan Schraeder, "I don't know how bad it is, if it's just a sprain or what. Ben stepped in really nice. It was good to see. I figured he would come in and fit in like Fusco. I give props to Ben for that.''
Quarterback Matt Ryan said, "That part is difficult, when you see guys going down. Personally, they put so much into it. You feel terrible for them. But this is a good chance for us to get a little bit of rest this week and kind of evaluate where we're at. I thought Ben did a nice job coming in for us. He's a guy that has played a lot for us through the years and another guy that we trust to go out there and execute at a high level, and I thought he did.''
Injuries have been a major issue for the Falcons so far in 2018. Starting safeties Keanu Neal (ACL) and Ricardo Allen (Achilles) both suffered season-ending injuries, and linebacker Deion Jones (foot surgery) and running back Devonta Freeman (groin surgery) are on injured reserve but could return this season.
