The Falcons will be welcoming back a key defender for tomorrow’s game against the Panthers. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that the team is activating linebacker Nate Landman off injured reserve.
After dealing with a quad injury throughout the preseason, Landman suffered a calf injury during his team’s Week 1 loss. That injury ended up putting the linebacker on the shelf, but fortunately, it sounds like he’s ready to go after a minimum stay on injured reserve.
A former UDFA, Landman saw a limited role as a rookie before breaking out in 2023. The linebacker was inserted into the starting lineup following Troy Andersen‘s season-ending injury, and the fill-in proceeded to start 14 of his 16 appearances last season. The Colorado product ultimately finished the campaign with 110 tackles, two sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Kaden Elliss has continued to lead the depth chart during Landman’s absence, with the veteran not missing a single defensive snap this season. Andersen has mostly soaked up Landman’s leftover snaps, although the LB missed Week 5 (and has already been ruled out for Week 6) while nursing a knee injury. That opened the door for JD Bertrand to get into a season-high 38 snaps in Week 5, but with Landman back on the roster, the Falcons can pivot to their intended linebacker pairing on Sunday.