Arthur Smith addresses Damar Hamlin situation, gives injury updates

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith addressed the media prior to the start of Wednesday’s practice, giving some insight into how the team has handled the Damar Hamlin situation and providing some injury updates for Week 18.

Hamlin, who went into cardiac arrest following a tackle in Monday night’s game between the Bills and Bengals, is still considered to be in critical condition.

Smith said Hamlin and his family will remain in the team’s thoughts and prayers. Watch his comments below, as shared by ESPN’s Michael Rothstein.

Falcons HC Arthur Smith opens his presser talking about Damar Hamlin and the Bills pic.twitter.com/YgG0vUidrg

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) January 4, 2023

Smith went on to give some injury updates, saying that left guard Elijah Wilkinson (calf) and tight end Feleipe Franks (concussion) will remain out on Wednesday. Both players missed Sunday’s win over the Cardinals

Wilkinson has been solid this season, but his absence opens the door for Matt Hennessy to get more work at guard, per team reporter Tori McElhaney.

Arthur Smith said Elijah Wilkinson will not practice today. Expect the plan would be to continue with Matt Hennessy at LG. Think it’s good to see a bit more of him there, especially if the Falcons are thinking he could be competing for that LG spot next year.

— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) January 4, 2023

Hennessy filled in for Wilkinson during Week 17 and earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 71 overall — with a run-blocking grade of 75.4. Atlanta takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18.

The Buccaneers have already clinched the NFC South, but they still intend to play their starters. It should be a good final test for Falcons rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder, who will be making his fourth NFL start.