Falcons' defence to be further weakened for Steelers

The Atlanta Falcons' defence will be further weakened for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett out due to an ankle injury.

Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed Jarrett's expected absence Wednesday on Atlanta's 92.9 The Game, though he added running back Devonta Freeman is expected to play after missing the last three games with a knee injury.

Jarrett, 25, has missed just one game in three-plus NFL seasons, back in his rookie season of 2015. He is still looking for his first sack this year after tallying four in 2017 and three in 2016.

The Falcons' defence has already lost starting safeties Keanu Neal (ACL) and Ricardo Allen (Achilles) for the year, while linebacker Deion Jones (foot) must remain on injured reserve until at least Week 9.

Freeman, 26, had six carries for 36 yards and three catches for 14 yards in the season opener before getting hurt. Tevin Coleman has taken 45 carries over the last three weeks in his absence, but he averaged just 2.9 yards per carrying across the last two games.

(With inputs from agencies.)