Falcons Defensive Line Gutting It Out While Olamide Zaccheaus Trends Down

The Atlanta Falcons are currently treating the NFL injury report like a mild suggestion box.

Ian Rapoport dropped the Sunday morning news that defensive end Za'Darius Smith and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. are both expected to play through their questionable tags. Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, however, is likely watching this one in sweatpants thanks to a bad shoulder.

"Ian Rapoport noted there is 'much less optimism' for Olamide Zaccheaus."

Smith is 34 years old and already missed time this month after taking a brutal knee to the head against the Saints. Pushing through a lingering neck issue to play in the trenches is the kind of decision that makes my own spine hurt just typing it. He only has 1.5 sacks on the year, but Atlanta is desperate enough for edge pressure that they will take whatever he can give.

Dexter gutting out a hamstring injury is equally concerning for anyone who understands physics. The man is 326 pounds. Trying to anchor against double-teams with a compromised hamstring is like trying to stop a rolling sedan while wearing roller skates. He has 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks this season, and the Falcons need every ounce of that production.

As for Zaccheaus, his absence is not exactly going to shift the Vegas lines or ruin your Sunday fantasy matchups. He is averaging a blistering 1.14 fantasy points per game this season. If you were relying on him to cash a prop bet today, you need to delete your sportsbook app and go for a long walk outside.

Atlanta is trying to bounce back from a 31-23 loss to the Bears, and now they have the San Francisco 49ers rolling into town. A banged-up defensive line is the absolute last thing you want when facing that rushing attack. We will find out by kickoff if Smith and Dexter are actually ready for a street fight, or if the 49ers are about to run the ball 45 times and go home early.