Atlanta just took a brutal gut punch after Week 1. Defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand, a new free agent signing, is officially out for the entire season after tearing his quad. It’s a terrible blow for a team trying to find its footing early in the year.
Hand’s Season Ends Before It Even Began
Talk about a rough start to the year. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Monday that Hand’s quad tear happened in Sunday’s loss to the Steelers. The dude literally just signed a one-year deal this offseason, and now his season is over after playing only seven snaps. Seven snaps! That’s it for 2026. It’s a tough break for Hand, and for an Atlanta defense that was probably hoping he’d be a factor. You sign a guy, you expect him to contribute, and now he’s done for the season already. What a waste of a signing, through no fault of his own.
Lindstrom’s Lingering Questions for the O-Line
But wait, there’s more. The Falcons’ offensive line is also taking hits. Right guard Chris Lindstrom is in concussion protocol after getting dinged up in that same Steelers game. He played a solid 51 offensive snaps before he had to leave, which means he was out there grinding for most of the game. Kyle Hinton stepped in for nine snaps in his place, but the big question now is Lindstrom’s availability. Stefanski said his progress through the protocol is going to determine if he suits up against the Panthers. Every snap counts, especially on the offensive line, and losing a starter like Lindstrom, even temporarily, is a problem that can throw off the whole rhythm.
So, after just one game, Atlanta’s already dealing with some major O-line and D-line issues. With Hand done for the year and Lindstrom’s status up in the air for the Panthers game, the team’s depth is going to be tested early. It’s only Week 2, but these injuries could already be shaping how the Falcons’ season unfolds. They’ve got to find some answers quick.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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