Lofa Tatupu out for the season (1 Viewer)

[gandalas]

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/07/24/atlanta-falcons-lofa-tatupu-out-for-the-season/

Atlanta Falcons: Lofa Tatupu out for the season

4:44 pm July 24, 2012, by D. Orlando Ledbetter

On a day when the Falcons’ fans received their season tickets, they also got some bitter news.

Former Pro Bowl linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who was trying to make a comeback after sitting out last season, had pectoral surgery Tuesday that will knock him out for the 2012 season, according to head coach Mike Smith.

With the Falcons looking to replace leading tackler Curtis Lofton, Tatupu and Akeem Dent worked out with the first-team defense during the offseason.

Tatupu suffered the injury Thursday in the weight room and went to specialist Dr. James Andrews on Monday.

“We got a second opinion,” Smith said. “The second opinion confirmed the first opinion. He had a procedure done today and he will be out of the season.”

In other injury news, Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas (big toe) and offensive tackle Lamar Holmes (foot) have been cleared for training camp as the players are set to report Wednesday. While starting defensive tackle Corey Peters (foot) has not been medically cleared.

“[Peters] will have a follow up physical in about three weeks,” Smith said. “Corey is not going to be participating in training camp. We should have some more clarity in a few weeks.”

Tatupu signed to a two-year, $3.6 million contract in March. He received a guaranteed $600,000 signing bonus and had a $1.25 million playing time escalator clause in his contract.

Tatupu, 29, a three-time Pro Bowler, didn’t play in 2011 after spending six seasons with Seattle. He was a first-team All-Pro selection after the 2007 season. He contemplated retirement, but elected to give it another try with the Falcons.

In light of the injury, the Falcons are not sure if Tatupu plans to retire.

“Lofa just had the procedure done,” Smith said. “I haven’t had a conversation with him. We just want Lofa to get as healthy as he can. Right now, I’m sure that’s probably the farthest thing from his mind.”

On Monday, the Falcons signed veteran linebacker Mike Peterson, who can play all three linebacker positions and help Dent get ready for the season.

“Mike Peterson gives us some flexibility,” Smith said. “Last year, we drafted Dent as a middle linebacker. Now, he has the opportunity to grab that position.”

Peterson, 36, was a starter in 2009 and 2010 before shifting to a reserve role last season. He received a $50,000 signing bonus and a base salary of $910,000 in 2011. He was not tendered an offer, when his contract expired on March 13.

In 2011, he started five games and played in 15 before going on injured reserve with a torn triceps that required surgery.

Lofton, who led the Falcons in tackles with 159 last season, signed with the New Orleans Saints during free agency.

His departure left a hole in the middle of the defense.

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–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog

 

[Raymell McKigney]

This has to bump Akeem Dent as it locks him in at MLB. Still a 2 down LB though?

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

yeah, as far as I know he's 2 downs and their base is supposedly nickel, which I think they already played a lot of last year, so I think he's more for the deeper rosters.

maybe I'm wrong about the 2 down thing, though, but right now I wouldn't be surprised if he saw fewer than 40% snaps, depending on opponent.

 

[massraider]

Too early to say that, this is definitely a defense to watch in the preseason, and a story to follow.

The Tatupu thing has definitely cleared up the MLB position, and anytime a starting MLB is available on FA wires, or late in drafts, you have to consider it. Guys like Dent and Jasper Brinkley may not be difference makers, but they can make great LB4s, or trade bait.

 

[MAC_32]

Too early to say that, this is definitely a defense to watch in the preseason, and a story to follow.The Tatupu thing has definitely cleared up the MLB position, and anytime a starting MLB is available on FA wires, or late in drafts, you have to consider it. Guys like Dent and Jasper Brinkley may not be difference makers, but they can make great LB4s, or trade bait.

I'm more interested in Nicholas than Dent, 3 downs is all but a sure thing now.

 

[KellysHeroes]

EJ Henderson?

 

[nirad3]

Local honks are all over Jasper Brinkley's jock right now. He'll be a 2-down guy, but could still be a serviceable fantasy LB.

While I got ya here, they're expecting Chad Greenway's tackles to dip significantly, but expect his "big plays" to take a little bump-up.

Doh. Meant to reply directly to the post that mentioned Brinkley. F'in new guy.

Also, re: Tatupu... that's a bummer. And I wouldn't hang my hat on Dent making a ... dent ... in any fantasy circles. Backup at best in the typical 12-teamer.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I'm more interested in Nicholas than Dent, 3 downs is all but a sure thing now.

That's what I've been thinking/wondering about since the Lofa injury. Keeping my eyes on Nicholas fo' sho'.