Surgery ends season for Falcons' Hartwell

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (Oct. 10, 2005) -- Atlanta Falcons linebacker Ed Hartwell had surgery to repair a torn right Achilles' tendon and will miss the rest of the season.

Coach Jim Mora said the Falcons also expect to lose backup cornerback Chris Cash for the season with a broken arm. Hartwell and Cash were injured in Atlanta's 31-28 loss to New England on Oct. 9. - NFL Football -

Cash filled a key role in the secondary when he was signed after a season-ending injury to Kevin Mathis. But the loss of Hartwell could cause the most dramatic adjustments to the defense.

"We'll recover as a football team and Ed will recover, but we will miss his presence," Mora said.

Hartwell, the team's most significant free-agent acquisition of the offseason, was expected to lead the defense as a run-stopping middle linebacker. He was viewed by Mora and general manager Rich McKay as the missing piece from last year's team, which lost in the NFC championship game. - NFL Football -

Mora said the coaching staff was still discussing how to replace Hartwell. He had 30 tackles and a pass deflection before the injury.

Options include moving four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Brooking from the outside to the middle spot, where he has significant experience. Ike Reese, playing behind second-year starting outside linebacker Demorrio Williams, could move into the starting lineup.

Another option is rookie Michael Boley, a fifth-round pick who has made his biggest contribution as the team's leader in special teams tackles.

"Having a guy like Ike gives you some flexibility," Mora said. "We have to decide as a staff what gives us the best combination of players to help us win games. We have to take into account special teams, and Ike is a big part of our special teams package. - NFL Football -

"I want to talk to Keith and talk to Ike, and then we'll decide and we'll go forward."

Reese finished the game at middle linebacker.

The Falcons also were without quarterback Michael Vick, out with a sprained knee. Mora said it's too early to predict Vick's status for their Week 6 game against New Orleans in San Antonio.

"I've got to believe Mike will make progress," Mora said. "We'll see. We should have a good feel Wednesday." - NFL Football -

Backup Matt Schaub passed for 298 yards and three touchdowns -- season highs for the team -- without an interception.

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