Tackle crisis: Weiner out 2 to 6 weeks | ajc.com
Flowery Branch — With the sack-happy New York Giants coming to town Monday night, the Falcons are bracing to face them with a revamped offensive line.
Right tackle Todd Weiner underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Wednesday and will miss two to six weeks. The Falcons will also be without left tackle Wayne Gandy, who was placed on injured reserve and is lost for the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against Tennessee on Sunday.
Suddenly, two undrafted players will start.
"In just a matter of one game, I'm the oldest guy in the [linemen's meeting] room right now," center Todd McClure said. "Those guys were a big part of what we do."
Gandy and Weiner will be replaced by undrafted rookie free agent Renardo Foster and second-year man Tyson Clabo.
"Yeah, I'm up," Clabo said.
Foster will make his first NFL start.
Foster and Clabo's duties will include blocking New York's Osi Umenyiora and the franchise's all-time sack leader, Michael Strahan. Two weeks ago, they helped the Giants total 12 sacks against Philadelphia, with Umenyiora getting six in a relentless performance.
"That Philadelphia game is the best example because of what the Giants defensive ends did," Foster said. "We are going to really have to be on top of our games."
Clabo said, "They're obviously top tier as far as their front goes. It's a huge challenge. We're going to rise and hit it head on."
Falcons coach Bobby Petrino is counting on his young tackles.
"They are looking forward to the challenge," Petrino said.
Quinn Ojinnaka, who's been inactive for all five games, will serve as the swing tackle, backing up Foster and Clabo. The Falcons' offensive line also features rookie guard Justin Blalock.
Last season, the Giants had seven sacks in a 24-17 victory over the Falcons at the Georgia Dome.
"What we did last year, we tried to keep Michael Vick in the pocket," Umenyiora said.
They won't have that problem this year with Joey Harrington as the Falcons' starting quarterback.
Foster and Clabo will receive blocking help from running backs and tight ends in obvious passing situations.
The problem is, if the Falcons slide extra protection to Umenyiora, that leaves Strahan one-on-one with Clabo. If they slide to Strahan, then Umenyiora will be one-on-one with Foster.
"We've just got a group of talented individuals," Umenyiora said. "We have some pretty good pass rushers, and things seem to be falling into place right now."
Also, the Giants move Umenyiora around and have had him rush from a linebacker position. He's not too fond of the ploy.
"It's OK, but primarily I'm a defensive end so I like to be at the defensive end position," Umenyiora said, "but if they need me to disguise the look a little bit and come in from the linebacker spot, I can do that also."
Foster has played in relief of Gandy and Weiner this season. Clabo has been inactive for all five games this season, but he started 10 games last season, one at left guard and nine at right guard. Now he has to move outside to tackle.
"There is a big difference," Clabo said. "Luckily, I have been getting some work outside at practice. That will help me adjust. It's just a matter of adjusting to playing in space.
"I've played out there before. I should be able to compete out there."
After leading the league in rushing the past three seasons, the Falcons haven't been able to establish a running game (91.6 yards per game, 21st in the league) this season.
Surgery on Weiner
Surgery on Weiner
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