Andersen will require surgery to address a torn pectoral muscle and could be sidelined for 4-to-6 months, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
After being placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Andersen will have to miss a minimum of four games, but the Falcons are anticipating him being sidelined for much longer. Given the projected recovery timeline, Andersen looks like he'll end up missing the rest of the regular season, though the linebacker could have a shot at returning for the playoffs, if the Falcons earn a postseason spot. The Falcons will likely turn to Nate Landman to start in place of Andersen, just as they did when Andersen missed the team's Week 2 win over the Packers with a concussion. Andersen had put himself on the IDP radar during the two games in which he played, totaling 19 tackles and a half sack.