Falcons Injury Update: Lindstrom, Matthews 'Real Chance' to Play vs. Panthers

The Atlanta Falcons entered Sunday's 29-25 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers down several starters and saw a handful of others depart the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium prematurely.

Already without starting defensive tackle David Onyemata, linebacker Nate Landman, cornerback Jeff Okudah, right tackle Kaleb McGary and center Drew Dalman, the Falcons lost left tackle Jake Matthews, right guard Chris Lindstrom and defensive tackle Kentavius Street in Sunday's game.

Onyemata, Okudah, Dalman and Lindstrom are dealing with ankle injuries, while Landman, McGary and Matthews have knee ailments. Street suffered a pectoral injury.

In essence, the Falcons' injury report, which was lengthy versus Tampa Bay, could be replicated in Sunday's road contest game against the Carolina Panthers ... but at least a few starters may be healthy enough to take the field.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith is optimistic about the status of Matthews and Lindstrom, noting they have a "real chance to play this week" in Carolina.

Lindstrom missed five snaps late in the first half against the Buccaneers after being rolled up on, with Kyle Hinton replacing him. Lindstrom said he was "fine" after the game.

Smith isn't as confident in the outlook of Onyemata, Landman, McGary, Dalman and Okudah, instead holding comments until he sees how the week unfolds. Still, there's a possibility they suit up Sunday.