The Falcons have placed defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro on injured reserve, according to The Athletic’s Josh Kendall, sidelining the rookie for at least four weeks.
Orhorhoro injured his ankle in Week 8 against the Buccaneers, a disappointing setback after he finally saw his first NFL action at the beginning of October. His debut was delayed by healthy inactive designations in Weeks 1-4 as the 35th overall pick acclimated to the pros. He recorded just five tackles across his four appearances this year while playing no more than a third of the Falcons’ defensive snaps in each game.
Atlanta was not relying heavily on their second-round pick, with a deep defensive line group headlined by Pro Bowler Grady Jarrett. Veterans Eddie Goldman and David Onyemata have started alongside Garrett, with Zach Harrison, Kentavius Street, and Ta’Quon Graham all filling rotational roles. Fourth-rounder Brandon Dorlus could be in line for his NFL debut after spending the first eight weeks on the sidelines as a healthy scratch.
The Falcons signed linebacker Rashaan Evans to fill Orhorhoro’s spot on the 53-man roster, per Kendall. The veteran started all 17 games for Atlanta in 2022 and led the team with 159 tackles, though that was in a different defense than the one currently ran by head coach Raheem Morris.
Linebacker Kaden Elliss has started every game for the Falcons this season, with Nathan Landman and 2022 second-rounder Troy Andersen splitting time next to him. Evans will bring more of a veteran presence to Atlanta’s linebacker room as they attempt to maintain their lead in the NFC South.