There is no good time to suffer an injury, but perhaps the absolute worst is when you’re in the midst of a career season in your contract year.

Such is the fate of Austin Hooper.

Report: MCL injury will sideline Hooper for a month

On Wednesday, NFL Network reported that Hooper, the Atlanta Falcons’ tight end, will miss roughly a month with an MCL sprain suffered in last Sunday’s win over the New Orleans Saints.

A third-round draft pick in 2016, Hooper has 56 catches for 608 yards and six touchdowns in nine games; he and Kansas City’s Jason Kelce lead the league in receptions at the tight end position.

Hooper’s six touchdowns lead the Falcons, and he’s been an asset in the red zone. He had an 8-yard score from Matt Ryan in the first half against New Orleans before his injury; you can see the play in the video above.

A Pro Bowler in 2018 when he had 71 catches for 660 yards and four touchdowns, Hooper had been on pace to shatter those numbers. Before his injury, his six catches per game gave him a chance of hitting 100 for the season, which has only been done by five tight ends previously.

Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper will miss about a month with an MCL injury. (AP/Butch Dill) More

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