WOW THIS SO GOOD: Falcons’ Center, Drew Dalman Set for IR Return; Atlanta Signs Ex Cardinals LB….See Details
The Atlanta Falcons are close to getting back starting center Drew Dalman.
After missing the last five games due to an ankle injury suffered in a Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Dalman has been designated to return from injured reserve, the Falcons announced in a press release Wednesday.
By designating Dalman to return, the Falcons opened his 21-day window to practice. Atlanta now has three weeks to activate him from injured reserve to the active roster.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris offered a brief — but positive injury update on Dalman during his Wednesday press conference.
“Dalman’s doing really well, progressing back,” Morris said.
Without Dalman, the Falcons turned to backup Ryan Neuzil, who Morris said performed admirably.
“You didn’t really notice,” Morris said about Neuzil stepping in.
Dalman has been trending favorably for weeks, but Morris said Oct. 23 the Falcons weren’t going to rush him, instead waiting until he was truly ready to return.
“Opening that window, like as you guys know, you open that window, you get three weeks within that window. Within the three weeks of that window, when you feel like he’s ready to go play football, from a performance standpoint, you get him back out there,” Morris said.
Atlanta made another move to its practice squad, releasing offensive lineman Matthew Cindric while signing inside linebacker Tyreek Maddox-Williams.
An undrafted free agent out of Rutgers in 2022, Maddox-Williams signed post-draft with the Los Angeles Chargers. He’s had stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals. Maddox-Williams played in three games with the Cards in 2023, playing on both defense and special teams.
The Falcons (5-3) return to action at 1 p.m. Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys (3-4) inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Explore More:
Atlanta Falcons should consider reuniting Kirk Cousins with favorite target
Receiver is unlikely to be a position high on Atlanta’s priority list ahead of the trade deadline. With the level of desperation to find a pass rush and the issues the defense is having defending the run this is understandable. Atlanta’s defense should be the focus of the team’s trade deadline. However, that doesn’t mean the team should ignore an obvious fit and a former favorite target of Kirk Cousins.
Adam Thielen had his practice window open with the Carolina Panthers this week and should soon be on the move. Once healthy it would be shocking not to see the receiver find a new landing spot. A longtime teammate of Kirk Cousins and one of the veteran’s favorite targets in Minnesota. Thielen would be a perfect fit in Zac Robinson’s defense and offer the team a better receiver rotation.
Adam Thielen would fit into Atlanta’s offense perfectly without a high cost
Looking around the league at trades the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs have already made a reasonable price is easy to suggest. The Falcons sending the Panthers a 6th-round pick in exchange for Thielen seems more than fair. The receiver has one year remaining on his deal the Falcons can take on for a Carolina team looking to add picks and shed salary.
Thielen’s contract is the only downside to this move it makes an already tight cap situation more difficult heading into next season. However, it gives you a great group of weapons and a familiar face for Kirk Cousins to work with as the team’s playoff hunt begins.
The receiver could be used in a rotational role and a key piece on third downs and in big spots. We have seen the trust that Cousins had in Thielen in Minnesota and how often the quarterback trusted the veteran receiver with the game on the line. Adding that in Atlanta makes a great offense even more dangerous and would be a win for both sides.
Leave a Reply