After a devastating knee injury last season, Falcons star Defensive Lineman Grady Jarrett has announced his retirement.

ATLANTA (AP) — The loss of lineman Grady Jarrett for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury has been a major blow to the Atlanta Falcons’ defense.

According to coach Arthur Smith on Monday, Jarrett, 30, suffered an ACL tear in the first few minutes of the team’s 28-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans. What kind of knee it was was not made clear.

Two-time Pro Bowler Jarrett has led the Falcons’ defense through significant changes this season and has started every game since 2018 in the starting lineup. There’s a big hole in the middle of the line caused by his injury.

It’s sad when you lose a player like Grady, who has served as such a wonderful leader for us and is an excellent player, Smith remarked.

“It’s not gonna take one person to do it,” the coach continued when discussing Jarrett’s replacement. We must continue to assess things and find solutions to the problems.

The Philadelphia Eagles sent defensive end Kentavius Street and a 2025 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick, and the Falcons moved quickly to enhance their front-row depth.

In addition to playing for New Orleans, Street was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In 59 games, he recorded 13 quarterback hits, 6 1/2 sacks, and one forced fumble.

Street has made seven appearances for the Eagles this season, making one start. He has one QB pressure and three tackles.

With 23 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks, eight quarterback hits, and two passes broken up, Jarrett was enjoying yet another successful season.

The Falcons, who made significant offseason expenditures in free agency, do seem to be more prepared than in past seasons to handle Jarrett’s loss.

Linemen like David Onyemata should lessen the blow, but nobody can take Jarrett’s commanding presence entirely. To help close the gap, shifting defensive end Calais Campbell to an inside position is another option.

“At this point, all options are on the table,” Smith stated. “When necessary, we must exercise creativity. That is our responsibility.

After being selected in the fifth round by the Falcons in 2015 out of Clemson, Jarrett started playing every day during his second season. In the championship game, he got three sacks of Tom Brady of the New England Patriots, although his effort was overshadowed by the team’s comeback from a 28-3 deficit to win in overtime.

The Falcons’ injury woes eventually caught up with them at Tennessee, following a successful season.

In addition to wide receiver Drake London (groin), other injured players versus the Titans included fullback Keith Smith (concussion), defensive lineman LaCale London (knee), and cornerback Mike Hughes (concussion).

Smith received a positive report regarding London’s injury, which doesn’t seem to be a permanent problem.

The coach remarked, “Drake is not as bad as we thought.”

In light of rumors that the Falcons were also considering Washington’s excellent defensive tackle Montez Sweat, Smith was questioned about potential trades. Tuesday afternoon is the NFL trading deadline.

“We have a duty to hear everything,” Smith stated. “We won’t ever switch off our phone.”

The Falcons (4-4) take on the Minnesota Vikings (4-4) on Sunday, with both teams tied for first place in the NFC South.