Falcons safety Erik Harris is out for rest of season with a torn pectoral muscle. | atlantafalcons.com
Falcons safety Erik Harris is out for rest of season with a torn pectoral muscle. | atlantafalcons.com
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Carolina Panthers 29-21 Dec. 12 at the Bank of America Stadium, but the team lost a player because of a season-ending injury.
Falcons safety Erik Harris tore a pectoral muscle, ultimately ending his season playing in the NFL.
“Harris was a significant defensive contributor, with 12 starts in as many games played," the team said on its website.
NFL Network reported Harris is to have surgery to fix the injury.
“He’s headed for surgery, with the starter ending his 2021 with 64 tackles and eight passes defended,” Ian Rapport, a national insider for NFLN, wrote on Twitter.
The injury occurred in the first quarter of the Falcons 29-21 win over Carolina.
After signing a one-year deal, Harris is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Safety Jaylinn Hawkins stepped in to replace Harris. Cornerback Darren Hall is also being looked at by the team to step up.
“This team getting a longer look at Hawkins and Hall in particular and knowing they can play helps them figure out this secondary in 2022, and I’ve been encouraged with both players even if they’ve been pressed into extended action somewhat by circumstance,” the Flacoholic reported.
Head coach Arthur Smith was hesitant to use the rookies, Sports Illustrated reported.
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