In 10 games in 2024, Smith-Williams (lower leg) recorded 24 tackles (12 solo) including 1.0 sacks. Despite playing fewer games and fewer defensive snaps than in either season, Smith-Williams collected more tackles than he did in each of his last two campaigns. That he was more productive must have made it extra frustrating when he was knocked out of the last seven games of the year due to injuries. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent during the offseason.
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Status
IR - Lower Leg - Not Specified Expected Return: 2025-02-10Latest James Smith-Williams news
Other Falcons Players
Team
Atlanta Falcons
Birthdate
7/30/1997 (27)
Status
Injured Reserve
HT/WT
6'3", 265 lbs
Draft Info
2020: Rd 7; Pk (WAS)
Birthplace
Raleigh, NC, USA
Position
DL
College
North Carolina State
Experience
5 seasons
Career History
Atlanta Falcons
2024-Present
(1 season)
Washington Commanders
2020-2024
(4 seasons)
In 10 games in 2024, Smith-Williams (lower leg) recorded 24 tackles (12 solo) including 1.0 sacks. Despite playing fewer games and fewer defensive snaps than in either season, Smith-Williams collected more tackles than he did in each of his last two campaigns. That he was more productive must have made it extra frustrating when he was knocked out of the last seven games of the year due to injuries. He's set to become an unrestricted free agent during the offseason.
The Falcons placed Smith-Williams (lower leg) on injured reserve Saturday, Daniel Flick of SI.com reports. Smith-Williams appears to have aggravated a tibia injury during the Falcons' Week 10 loss to the Saints, per Flick. Smith-Williams will be required to sit for at least the next four regular-season games, and the earliest he can return is Week 16 against the Giants on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Smith-Williams (lower leg) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Broncos, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports. Head coach Raheem Morris told reporters Wednesday that Smith-Williams was expected to miss Sunday's matchup in Denver, and Friday's injury report confirmed it. Expect DeAngelo Malone to serve as Atlanta's top rotational outside linebacker while Smith-Williams is sidelined in Week 11.
Coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday that Smith-Williams (upper body) probably won't play Sunday at Denver, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports. Although it's not immediately clear when he picked it up, Smith-Williams is dealing with an upper body issue that looks like it's going to keep him out for at least one game. If he is sidelined, it could mean increased playing time for 2022 third-rounder DeAngelo Malone.
Smith-Williams has been getting first teams reps during training camp, Amna Subhan of the Falcons' official site reports. Smith-Williams signed with Atlanta in April after spending the first four years of his career in Washington. Originally considered a depth signing, after recording seven sacks in 55 career games, the Falcons seem to have higher expectations for the 27-year-old.
Smith-Williams signed a one-year deal with the Falcons on Monday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports. Smith-Williams spent the firsst four seasons of his career with Washington, where he recorded seven sacks across 55 appearances. In 13 games last season, the 26-year-old logged 22 tackles and one sack. Smith-Williams should add depth at defensive end for the Falcons, and he'll likely slot in somewhere beind starters Ta'Quon Graham, Grady Jarrett (knee), and Zach Harrison (knee).
Smith-Williams will be sidelined for his third straight week Sunday due to a hamstring injury he sustained in Week 10 at Seattle. Rookie fifth-rounder K.J. Henry again projects to start at defensive end in Smith-Williams' place in Week 13.
Smith-Williams will miss his second consecutive game in Week 12 as he continues to deal with a hamstring injury he sustained in Week 10 at Seattle. Rookie fifth-rounder K.J. Henry will probably start at defensive end in his place Thursday.
Smith-Williams will miss his first contest of the season in Week 11 as he deals with a hamstring injury he sustained in Week 10 at Seattle. Efe Obada figures to start at defensive end in Smith-Williams' place Sunday.