Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith denied reports that Tony Gonzalez is being shopped around for a trade. With injuries to Julio Jones, Roddy White and Steven Jackson, Atlanta's offense will lean heavily on the veteran to avoid a losing season.
During the week, rumors sprang about the possibility of the Falcons trading their Pro Bowl tight end. Smith quickly shot down the speculation.
"That's preposterous that Tony would be traded," Smith told ESPN on Wednesday. "He's an integral part of our offense and has been since he's been here. And he's having another hall of Fame season."
Speculation that Gonzalez could be traded comes from the Falcons' 1-4 start. With the roster depleted by injuries, some believe the Falcons are headed toward a losing season, which could spark a fire sale to pull in future draft picks.
Smith, however, denied the season as being already lost.
"We are still in this," Smith said. "There are still 11 games to be played, a lot of football to be played. We're focusing on us and focusing on what we have to do to get a win. We can't look beyond our next opponent. And right now, our opponent is the Atlanta Falcons this week. And next week, we'll start focusing on Tampa Bay."
The 37-year-old veteran hasn't shown any signs this season of slowing down. Through Week 5, Gonzalez has 33 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns. Already with 46 targets, he appears poised for another Pro Bowl season.
"There are always things out there, always different rumors or whatever. I just know Tony, and I'm happy that he's here," said quarterback Matt Ryan, via ESPN. "The production that he's brought to us has been awesome."
Atlanta's offense will be leaning even more on Gonzalez with the potential season-ending injury to receiver Julio Jones, and the injuries nagging running back Steven Jackson and receiver Roddy White.
"Obviously, we know he's such a big part of what we do offensively," Ryan added. "He has been for the last five years. He's been unbelievable for us. He's been doing a great (job). And I expect him to keep doing a great job for us."
