Falcons DC Dean Pees Taken To Hospital After Pre-Game Collision

Pre-gaming went a bit too hard ahead of the Saints-Falcons game on Sunday.

Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees will not be on the sidelines for Atlanta after suffering a serious injury from a collision with a Saints player before the game started.

Pees appeared to suffer a neck injury when the Saints player crashed into him on the sidelines, requiring the 73-year-old DC to be stretchered off the field and ruled out for the game. Pees received medical attention at University Medical Center New Orleans.

Defense In Disarray Without Dean Pees

Inside job or a mere accident? Let's give these Saints the benefit of the doubt and say the latter.

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Falcons linebackers coach Frank Bush will be the interim DC in Pees' absence.

The team released a statement on Pees' pre-game injury:

"Atlanta Falcons Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees was involved in an on-field pregame collision. He was stable, alert and responsive and has been transported to University Medical Center New Orleans for medical testing. Frank Bush will serve as interim defensive play caller for today's game."

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo announced that Pees was released from the hospital hours after the incident. Pees will travel back to Atlanta with the team.

Defense has been a real issue for the Falcons in the first half without Pees: surrendering 14 points on errant coverage, including giving up a 68-yard touchdown connection between Taysom Hill and wideout Rashid Shaheed.

The Falcons will need their own miraculous comeback on Sunday. Heading into the fourth, the Falcons are facing a 21-10 deficit, with first-time starting quarterback Desmond Ridder leading the charge.