Falcons DE Za'Darius Smith questionable to return after being kneed in the head

Published October 5, 2026 08:52 PM Falcons defensive end Za’Darius Smith took a knee to the head with 12:57 left in the first quarter.He remained on the ground, and after the Falcons’ medical personnel checked him out, they called for a cart. Smith, though, waved it off and walked off the field.Smith is in the training room being evaluated for a concussion and a neck injury and is questionable to return.He was blocked to the ground by Saints left tackle Asim Richards, and while lying on the ground, Falcons defensive end Brandon Dorlus’ left knee connected with Smith’s helmet.Smith leads the team with 2.5 sacks. Meanwhile, Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts did not start and has played only one snap in two series. The team told ESPN sideline reporter Laura Rutledge that Pitts is healthy.Charlie Woerner, Nick Muse and Austin Hooper have played more snaps and Pitts so far.