William Moore Injury: Updates on Falcons Safety's Ankle and Return

According to AtlantaFalcons.com, safety William Moore has been placed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury in Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Continue for updates.

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Moore Suffered Ankle Injury

Tuesday, Dec. 15

This is a concerning setback for Moore and the Falcons because the safety only played in seven games last season thanks to lingering setbacks.

This is Moore’s seventh season in the league—all with Falcons—and he made the 2012 Pro Bowl and boasted 14 career interceptions entering the 2015 campaign.

While Moore is not a household name like Matt Ryan or Julio Jones, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com pointed out how he is one of the team’s vocal leaders after he rallied the defense to a comeback victory in Week 2 against the New York Giants: 

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The Atlanta Falcons needed someone to step up and show defensive leadership. Veteran strong safety William Moore took the lead in Sunday's 24-20 win over the New York Giants.

Moments after the Falcons gave up a third-quarter touchdown pass from Eli Manning to tight end Larry Donnell, Moore could be seen barking at his fellow defensive backs on the sideline. It was a profanity-filled tirade that served its purpose.

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It's probably no coincidence the defense came up with their biggest play of the day on the possession immediately after Moore's tirade.

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Someone will have to replicate that passion and production during Moore’s absence.

One candidate is three-year veteran Kemal Ishmael. He appeared in all 16 games for the Falcons last year, so he is familiar with the defense and what is required of him from the safety spot. He tallied four interceptions in 2014 and is something of a ball hawk when an opportunity for a turnover arises.

Another option is rookie Robenson Therezie, although he dealt with a hamstring issue earlier this year. Therezie is a physical presence at 212 pounds who played something of a hybrid role between safety and linebacker in college. He can patrol the middle of the field and dish out hits when receivers dare to cross into his territory.

While the Falcons have a couple of pieces to shoulder the defensive load, this is another blow amid their recent collapse.