Falcons: Backup LT Will Svitek to miss season with arm injury

The last thing the Falcons needed was another injury to chip away at their depth along the offensive line. Last year, it was their biggest weakness and with Will Svitek out for the season, starting left tackle Sam Baker will face increased scrutiny.

By Mike Singer

Aug 20, 2012 at 6:33 pm ET • 1 min read

Atlanta Falcons backup LT Will Svitek is out for the season after injuring his right arm during Sunday’s practice, coach Mike Smith announced on Monday.

“It’s bad news for Will,” coach Mike Smith said to Chris Viviamore of The Atlanta Journal Constitution. “… We’ve cross-trained some guys [at different offensive line spots] early on. It’s something we’ll have to adjust to and start cross training some more. One man’s misfortune is another’s opportunity.”

Svitek will be replaced by Mike Johnson, the former third-round pick of Atlanta in 2010, or Lamar Holmes, this year’s third-round selection. Both have questions marks regarding their health.

Johnson missed the entire first season in 2010, and then saw minimal time last season before being placed on injured reserve with a foot injury on Oct. 26, 2011.

Atlanta’s other option is Holmes, a rookie left tackle from Southern Mississippi. He’s missed both exhibition games while recovering from a broken toe. Smith said Holmes would see significant time in Friday’s game against Miami.

Svitek filled in admirably last season, starting the last 11 games at LT when Sam Baker suffered a back injury. The Falcons, who no longer have a proven backup, must hope Baker’s back remains healthy.

Baker entered the season as the staring LT and has looked steady at the position throughout two exhibition games, allowing no sacks. In fact, QB Matt Ryan hasn’t been sacked in the two-plus quarters that the first-team offensive line has played so far.

For more Falcons coverage, follow Mike Singer @CBSSportsNFLATL.