What to watch when Falcons host Giants in Week 16 matchup

The only real piece of news on this front is the questionable status of two Falcons role players.

Outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter (groin) and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (ribs) were listed as questionable on Friday’s game report.

Since returning from injured reserve after suffering a concussion, Carter has been a part of a rejuvenated Falcons defensive front that has racked up a streak of sacks worthy of league-wide recognition. Despite not having the sack or quarterback hit numbers of some of his edge rushing counterparts, Carter is an active part of the Falcons rotation up front, taking 43% of the Falcons’ defensive snaps in Vegas on Monday.

As for Hodge, he’s been an impactful individual for the Falcons in a reserve role filling in for Drake London and Darnell Mooney at times on offense, but more so, as an asset in special teams. In fact, Hodge was named the NFC’s Special Teams Player of the Week following his performance against the Raiders on Monday night, which included a blocked and tipped punt.

We will know more about their game day status when the Falcons release their inactives list 90 minutes before the start of Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kick.

In other injury report news, the only Falcons player officially ruled out for Week 16 is that of rookie receiver Casey Washington. Washington has been working through the league’s concussion protocol. And though he was limited in practice Friday, it wasn’t enough for the Falcons to fully give him the green light to be active Sunday.

The Giants had a CVS receipt of players on their injury report this week. I’m talking 21-players long. But the main status Falcons fans need to be aware of is that of edge rusher Brian Burns.

Burns did not participate in the Giants’ Wednesday or Thursday practices. He was limited on Friday and received a game designation of questionable on the team’s game report. Burns is dealing with what is being listed as an ankle/neck injury.

In his first year with the Giants, Burns has been as advertised. He has eight total sacks, eight passes deflected, two forced fumbles, 13 tackles for a loss and 15 quarterback hits. He’s also someone the Falcons know well, as his first five years in the league came in Carolina with the Panthers. The Falcons tackles of Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary are quite familiar with Burns and he them. His status on game day will be something to monitor.