Matthews (knee) will play Sunday against the Bears.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews had to leave last week's game against the Colts but logged limited practice sessions Wednesday and Thursday before getting up to full participation Friday. He hasn't missed a game since his 2014 rookie season.

Matthews has exited Sunday's game against the Colts with a knee injury, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews suffered the injury on a Bijan Robinson 26-yard gain, according to McElhaney in a separate Tweet. The former was slow to get up and make it to the sidelines. He's been replaced by John Leglue at left tackle.

Matthews (knee) is active Sunday against the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews suffered the injury during Week 14 against the Buccaneers, but he was able to recover quickly and should draw the start at left tackle for Atlanta on Sunday.

Matthews departed during the first quarter of Sunday's Week 14 game against Tampa Bay due to a knee injury and is questionable to return, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews headed to the injury tent early in the contest and was subsequently deemed questionable to return. The left tackle's absence further thins a Falcons offensive line that is already without starters Kaleb McGary (knee) and Drew Dalman (ankle) on Sunday. Tyler Vrabel entered in Matthews' place against the Buccaneers and will presumably finish out the contest if the latter is unable to return.

Matthews and the Falcons have agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews' extension frees up some essential cap space for the Falcons, while keeping the standout left tackle in the building for the foreseeable future. Per Rapoport, Matthews will receive $52.5 million over the next three seasons, and his salary averages out to $18.5 million per year. The 2014 first-round pick remains the pillar of Atlanta's offensive front.

Matthews had his contract restructured Saturday to provide the Falcons $7.95 million in cap space, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Falcons, like most teams, are pressed up against the cap, which necessitated the move. Matthews has been the cornerstone of the team's offensive line since being drafted in the first round back in 2014 and is under contract with the franchise for three more seasons.

Matthews logged his 16th start of the season during Atlanta's 44-27 Week 17 loss to the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews again proved to be durable during his seventh pro campaign out of Texas A&M, fielding 100 percent of Atlanta's offensive snaps in 15 of 16 games. He enjoyed a relatively clean 2020, going without a holding penalty while drawing only two false start flags all season. The 28-year-old is under contract for three more seasons at an average cap hit of $19.4 million, as the Falcons' front five aims to improve upon a turbulent campaign. Atlanta ranked 31st at just 3.7 yards per carry as a team, finishing tied for 23rd with 41 sacks allowed.

Matthews (knee) is active Week 2 against Dallas.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews served as a limited participant in practice both Thursday and Friday, but early indications were that the left tackle will suit up despite a "questionable" designation. The morning's inactive report will ultimately confirm that, giving Matt Ryan and the passing attack an extra layer of protection.

Matthews (knee), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Dallas, is expected to play, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The left tackle's expected availability is good news for quarterback Matt Ryan, who threw 450 yards on 54 attempts in the Week 1 loss to Seattle. Another high-volume passing game could on the docket for Ryan again Sunday, as most sports books list the Atlanta-Dallas game with the highest total of the Week 2 slate.

Matthews is considered questionable for Sunday's game versus the Cowboys, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews was limited for the last two practices of the week, which is a good sign for his availability Sunday. Matt Gono is ready to start at left tackle if Matthews can't go.