Some tough injury news out of Atlanta.

D. Orlando Ledbetter reports that Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux will be out three to five weeks with a partially torn ACL, according to his agent. The team hasn’t given an update on the injury yet.

But losing Babineaux, perhaps the top defensive tackle in the NFC South, isn’t going to help a defense that struggled in the opener. The Falcons played Chicago without Corey Peters, a starter last season. Peters was out with a knee injury, but coach Mike Smith indicated Monday there’s at least hope Peters will be able to return this week against Philadelphia.

If Peters is ready, the Falcons likely would start him next to Peria Jerry. If Peters can’t play this week, the Falcons would be very thin in the middle of the defensive line. After Jerry, Vance Walker and Carlton Powell are the only other defensive tackles. Both are career backups.