On Wednesday, the Atlanta Falcons designated starting center Drew Dalman to return from the injured reserve list. Dalman has missed the last five games due to an ankle injury he sustained during the team’s Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Falcons opened Dalman’s 21-day practice window, meaning he can return at any point over the next three weeks. If Dalman is still not activated at the end of the practice window, he must return to the injured reserve list.
Backup Ryan Neuzil has done a nice job filling in for Dalman over the last few weeks. Still, Dalman is one of the better centers in the NFL and his return would give the team a boost up front.
The Falcons may get a few other key players back this week. Safety Justin Simmons is on track to return after missing Sunday’s win due to a hamstring injury. Linebacker Troy Andersen returned to practice on Wednesday as a limited participant.
Andersen has been out since Week 4 when he was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. Speaking of awards, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins won NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Buccaneers.
