As the Atlanta Falcons head into the second half of the season, the injuries have started to pile up. 16 players, including quarterback Kirk Cousins and guard Chris Lindstrom, were listed on the team’s initial injury report for Week 11.
The Falcons also received some positive news. Outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter has been designated to return from the injured reserve list. Carter suffered a concussion and was later placed on IR in Week 7.
The former Georgia linebacker was a limited participant in practice to start the week. Head coach Raheem Morris provided updates on center Drew Dalman (ankle) and a few other players on Wednesday.
Dalman is still technically on the injured reserve list but was designated to return two weeks ago. While Morris sounded optimistic about the center’s return, there are still some benchmarks that he must clear in practice. Ryan Neuzil will continue to start if Dalman misses Sunday’s game.
Raheem Morris said he’s still optimistic about OL Drew Dalman, but there’s still some benchmarks he’ll have to clear this week in practice before anything is clear.
— Amna (@amna__subhan) November 13, 2024
Morris did not sound as confident about the injuries to Ta’Quon Graham and James Smith-Williams. “Not great,” said Morris. “We will have to make some significant changes there.”
The Falcons will likely look to rookie Brandon Dorlus this weekend against the Denver Broncos. The fourth-round pick out of Oregon has been a healthy scratch in the first 10 games of the season.
Atlanta also signed wide receiver/kick returner Jakeem Grant to the team’s 16-man practice squad on Wednesday.