What It Means:

The Falcons' top cornerback requires surgery. It's a massive loss for a team trying to make the playoffs for the first time in four years. The No. 22 overall pick of the 2013 draft, Trufant has emerged as one of the league's best corners. Brian Poole and Jalen Collins will start and pick up the 2016 slack for the Falcons.

Atlanta already ranks 23rd in schedule-adjusted Defensive Passing Net Expected Points per play this year. This will damage them further.