NE Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons have announced a roster change as rookie defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro has been placed on the reserve/injured list. In response, the team has signed veteran linebacker Rashaan Evans to their 53-man roster.

Orhorhoro sustained an ankle injury during last Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which ended in a 31-26 victory for the Falcons. Since then, he has not participated in practice sessions throughout the week. Orhorhoro was drafted by Atlanta in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and has played a significant role among his fellow rookies this season. He debuted against the Buccaneers in Week 5 and appeared in every subsequent game, recording five tackles and one quarterback hit.

Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake commented on Orhorhoro's performance before his injury: "He was making life hell on our starting offensive line, that's what he was doing," said Lake. "He was in the backfield... if you're doing it against our starting offensive line, that's probably going to translate over to our opponent in a real game."

With Evans' addition to the roster, Atlanta aims to strengthen its depth at inside linebacker amid ongoing injuries within that position group. Rookie JD Bertrand will miss Sunday's game due to a concussion, while starter Troy Andersen is listed as questionable after being sidelined for four games with a knee injury.

Evans brings experience from his previous tenure with Atlanta after joining them before the 2022 season. During that time, he started all 17 games at inside linebacker and led with a career-high of 159 tackles—ranking sixth among NFL defenders—and contributed six tackles for loss, four pass breakups, two sacks, and two fumble recoveries.

The Falcons are set to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.