Training camps across the NFL have started to open up, and teams are filled with the usual preseason optimism that has them believing they will find success over the next six months or so.
But pretty soon, some teams will be brought down to Earth as they experience the first injuries of the 2023 season.
The Atlanta Falcons are already in that category, as veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell has been placed on the non-football injury list, per Tom Pelissero.
The #Falcons placed DT Calais Campbell on the non-football injury list.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 25, 2023
Not that long ago, Campbell was one of the better defensive linemen in the league.
From 2014 to 2020, he was named to the Pro Bowl five times, and he peaked in 2017 when he had 14.5 sacks and was the runner-up in the voting for Defensive Player of the Year as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But by last season, it was clear he had declined.
In March, the Baltimore Ravens released Campbell, paving the way for the Falcons to sign him.
They’re a far cry from where they were during the 2016 season when they reached the Super Bowl and held a 25-point lead over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, only to lose in overtime.
Atlanta hasn’t made the playoffs since 2017, and last year they won just seven games.
While the quarterback position was a problem — Marcus Mariota was benched and eventually released — defense was ultimately a bigger culprit, as they were 23rd in points allowed and 27th in total yards given up.
Campbell may not be a difference-maker anymore, but Atlanta is hoping he will help them hold opposing teams down better than they did last year.
NEXT:
Falcons Announce The Return Of Red Helmets For Next Season
