Falcons drop two starters for Madrid game

Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski announced on Monday that receiver Zachariah Branch and defensive end Samson Ebukam will not play in the team's Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid. Both players suffered hamstring injuries during the Falcons' 16-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

Branch took his injury in the first quarter. He left the field after a collision with Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead and was seen limping to the sideline. Stefanski said Branch had not practiced on Monday due to the injury.

Ebukam has dealt with hamstring issues since Week 2 of the season. He re-aggravated that injury in the third quarter Sunday. The defensive end limped off the field and did not return to the game.

The Falcons are preparing for their international game in Madrid, where they will face the Bengals. Stefanski stated that the team is looking at Branch and Ebukam on a week-to-week basis. He did not rule out the possibility that either player could miss the Week 10 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs upon the team's return from Madrid.

The Falcons are currently 3-5 on the season. The Bengals are 2-5. The game in Madrid is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Stefanski noted that the team is trying to manage workload as they head into their bye week following the Chiefs game.

The loss to the Buccaneers extended the Falcons' struggles on the road. Stefanski said the team is focusing on getting healthy players ready for the upcoming schedule. The next home game for the Falcons will be against the Chiefs.

Falcons receiver Zachariah Branch and defensive end Samson Ebukam will undergo further evaluation this week. Stefanski indicated that the coaching staff is being cautious with both athletes. The decision to rest them for Madrid was made to prevent the injuries from worsening.