The Atlanta Falcons will be without defensive end John Abraham for at least the next three to four weeks due to surgery he had Tuesday to repair a torn lower abdominal muscle. The announcement came as a surprise to many, as many were hoping he would return this week against the Cincinnati Bengals. The torn muscle was discovered Monday during an examination.

"After rehabbing and working with our medical staff, it was our hope that John would be ready to play against Cincinnati," said head coach Jim Mora Jr. "Unfortunately, a second opinion conducted Monday afternoon confirmed that John will need minor surgery to help him get back to 100 percent. We look forward to him helping us during the home stretch."

Abraham was acquired from the New York Jets for a first-round draft pick in the offseason. After a bright start to the season, he has been hampered by injuries. If he would have been able to return this week, the Falcons pass rush would have included Rod Coleman, Patrick Kerney, and Abraham - no doubt an overwhelming force to be reckoned with.