Atlanta defender injured against Pittsburgh Steelers

The Atlanta Falcons have released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Atlanta has ruled out cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. (groin) for the season opener, according to a team statement. Hamilton is Atlanta’s No. 5 cornerback, serving as a backup behind Dee Alford.

Conversely, tight end Kyle Pitts (hamstring) and linebacker Nate Landman (quad) were full participants and appear in contention to play.

The Falcons also gave several veterans rest days Friday, with defensive tackle Ta’Quon Graham and left tackle Jake Matthews sitting out the workout. Defensive tackles Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata were held out of the workout. Each will play Sunday against Pittsburgh.

Landman, who spent the summer playing first-team with Troy Andersen, started 14 games last season and is a key part of the Falcons’ central defense. Pitts was dubbed Atlanta’s best player by quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Pitts and Landman were limited, although Pitts missed only two games in practice. The next day, Pitts participated fully, while Landman and Hamilton were considered limited.

On the Steelers’ side, the biggest injury story is quarterback Russell Wilson, who was limited Thursday with a calf injury. Wilson told Steelers reporters after practice Friday that he wants to play and is optimistic about his return, but is taking things day by day.

Wilson was sidelined and did not participate in individual periods Friday, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake said Thursday that Atlanta is prepared to play Wilson and Fields.

“We’re prepared for all scenarios,” Lake said. “That’s our job. Two quarterbacks who have won in this league, one who’s been around a lot longer and won a Super Bowl. They both have positive attributes that we have to be prepared for.”

“It’s part of this championship. There are very good football players in all 32 teams. Each team is going to pose a problem that we have to deal with, and this is just one of many.”

Falcons coach Raheem Morris added Friday that Wilson is “pretty resilient” and Atlanta will see how that goes when the two teams kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.