The Falcons suffered a significant setback on Sunday when center Drew Dalman sustained an ankle injury. An MRI confirmed it as a high ankle sprain, and he was placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next four games.
In response to Dalman’s absence, the Falcons made several roster adjustments on Tuesday, including promoting veteran offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson from the practice squad to the active roster. Wilkinson, who played nine games for Atlanta in 2022 before an injury cut his season short, has 77 career appearances and 45 starts since entering the NFL in 2017.
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The team also brought back Matt Hennessy, signing him to the practice squad. Hennessy, a third-round pick in 2020, previously started multiple seasons for the Falcons before being replaced by Dalman. He was recently with the Eagles.
Ideally, the Falcons hope neither Wilkinson nor Hennessy will need to play, as that would signal further injuries. Ryan Neuzil stepped in for Dalman on Sunday and finished the game, playing 42 snaps.
Dalman isn’t the only lineman dealing with injury concerns. Right tackle Kaleb McGary exited the same game with a knee injury, though an MRI indicated he is day-to-day. His status for the upcoming matchup against the Saints remains uncertain, and the situation is being monitored closely.
