The Falcons make a kicker roster move before facing the Chargers

The Atlanta Falcons enter Week 13 at 6-5 and have a one-game lead in the NFC South. Head coach Raheem Morris used the team’s bye week to install more play-action passing plays on offense, which should help clear the field for quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Falcons hope to end a two-game break on Sunday, but may have to face the Los Angeles Chargers without their Pro Bowl kicker Younghoe Koo.

Despite having a bye in Week 12, Koo is dealing with a right hip injury. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero

The hip theme is new for Koo. The eight-year veteran appeared on Thursday’s injury report as a limited participant with the illness after not being listed on Wednesday’s report. However, the Falcons kicker completed a full practice session on Friday, meaning he will likely play this weekend.

Despite earning a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable kickers, Koo has struggled this season. In Atlanta’s 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 10, he missed three field goals, including a 46-yard attempt that would have tied the game late in the fourth quarter.

Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo was expected to play in Week 13

Koo has already missed seven field goals this season after missing a total of seven field goals in his first 40 games with the Falcons from 2019-2021. The 30-year-old kicker was sensational in his first two full seasons in Atlanta, hitting 94.9 and 93.1 percent of his field goals, respectively. Over the last two years he has maintained an 86.5 FG percentage. However, in 11 games this season, he has dropped to just 73.1 percent.

Despite his struggles, Koo has the support of Morris, as the Falcons coach has made it clear he wants to remain loyal to his veteran kicker. After his nightmarish performance against the Saints, Koo rewarded Morris’ faith by getting back on track. In Week 11 against the Denver Broncos, he was 2/2 on field goals, hitting from 41 and 51 yards. Unfortunately, those were the only points the Falcons were able to score in a disappointing loss to Denver.

Atlanta will look to get back on the win list against the Chargers as Kirk Cousins ​​has a clean bill of health following the Broncos game and wideout Drake London will play in Week 13 despite being limited by a hip pointer.

Even though the team is only 6-5, the Falcons have a legitimate shot at the playoffs thanks to the poor shape of the NFC South. If the team manages to stop the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it would win the division and host a playoff game as the fourth seed in the conference.