HOUSTON — Atlanta Falcons starting right tackle Ryan Schraeder was informed he tore a ligament in his right ankle during Sunday’s 34-28 overtime Super Bowl LI loss to New England, a source told ESPN.com.
Schraeder is scheduled to undergo further testing Tuesday, the source said. He is not expected to undergo surgery, just rest. The initial word is “probably a good month” before Schraeder will start to feel normal again. He initially suffered the ligament tear in the second quarter, but it “finally gave out” on the play he was helped off the field in the fourth quarter with 5 minutes and 18 seconds left in regulation and his team leading 28-20. Three plays later, Matt Ryan was sacked for a 12-yard loss by a charging Trey Flowers up the middle. It turned a 40-yard field goal possibility into a 50-plus yard attempt. The Falcons eventually pushed themselves out of field goal range when left tackle Jake Matthews was whistled for holding on third down.
Schraeder started all 16 regular season games and all three playoff contests. The 28-year-old, former undrafted player from Division II Valdosta State became a regular starter during the 2014 season. The Falcons rewarded Schraeder with a five-year, $31.5 million contract extension in November, a deal that included $12.5 million guaranteed. Schraeder is signed through 2021.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn will address the health of his team going into the offseason during his season-ending press conference. The day and time of the press conference has yet to be announced.
Pro Bowl center Alex Mack, who played all 49 snaps in the Super Bowl despite a chip fracture in his left fibula, faces a surgical procedure. Wide receiver Julio Jones, who played 40 snaps in the Super Bowl coming off a lingering toe sprain, also could undergo surgery.
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