NE Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons have begun their preparations for the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys, holding their first practice session of Week 9. The team, currently with a record of 5-3, is facing some injury challenges as they prepare for Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys, who hold a 3-4 record.

Several key players were either limited in practice or did not participate due to injuries. Inside linebackers Troy Andersen and Kaden Elliss, along with safety Justin Simmons, were among seven players listed as limited on the team's initial injury report. Andersen has been sidelined for four games following a knee injury sustained in Week 4 against New Orleans. Simmons missed last week's victory over Tampa Bay because of a hamstring issue.

Three players were absent from Wednesday's practice session. Pro Bowl guard Chris Lindstrom was out due to a knee injury, while rookies JD Bertrand and Ruke Orhorhoro missed practice because of concussion and ankle injuries respectively. All three suffered their injuries during Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris commented on Lindstrom's situation: "Yeah, I know he was cleared to come back. It didn't make sense at that point in the game to put him back out there, so he was cleared to come back in and [it was a] coach's decision to leave him out the rest of the game."

On a positive note for the Falcons' injury concerns, starting center Drew Dalman has been designated to return from injured reserve. This initiates a 21-day period during which he can resume practicing with the team before they must decide whether to activate him or place him on season-ending injured reserve. Dalman participated in Wednesday's practice but was limited.

The full list of participants includes:

Limited Participation:

- OLB Matthew Judon (rest)

- S Justin Simmons (hamstring)

- CB Antonio Hamilton Sr. (back)

- ILB Troy Andersen (knee)

- DL James Smith-Williams (rest)

- ILB Kaden Elliss (knee)

- C Drew Dalman (ankle)

Did Not Participate:

- JD Bertrand (concussion)

- G Chris Lindstrom (knee)

- DL Ruke Orhorhoro (ankle)