An already weak point on the roster, the Falcons’ defensive line took another hit that will force the team to dip into free agency. Arthur Smith confirmed today after practice that defensive tackle Vincent Taylor ruptured his Achilles and will be out for the year.

Falcons DT Vincent Taylor ruptured his Achilles, Arthur Smith said.

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) August 2, 2022

The 28-year-old signed with the team prior to the NFL draft this offseason to bolster the interior defensive line, which has long been a weak point of the team despite Grady Jarrett‘s impressive stretch of play.

Taylor started Week 1 for Houston last year before an ankle injury knocked him out for the year. Since 2017, he has played in 40 games, totaling 65 tackles, two sacks, and four quarterback hits. After being cut by Miami in his third year, Taylor was signed to the Bills’ practice squad, where he remained until Buffalo elevated him to the active roster late in the season. He was subsequently waived by Buffalo and picked up by Cleveland, where he appeared in 15 games during the 2020 season.

It’s a tough hand to be dealt, but he seems steadfast in his desire to play football at the professional level. He’d been in the running to garner serious snaps next to Jarrett this season, probably in sub packages on obvious pass rushing downs, which is somewhere the Falcons desperately need to improve.

Now, the Falcons will have to dip into free agency to sign his replacement. Especially considering the unexpected retirement of Eddie Goldman, the Falcons are as thin as ever along the interior defensive line.

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Photographer: Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire