Falcons Place Drew Dalman on Injured Reserve

In a swift response to unexpected injury troubles, the Atlanta Falcons have placed starting center Drew Dalman on injured reserve as of this past Tuesday. This move highlights the team’s commitment to reinforce their offensive line as they grapple with the absence of a key player.

Signings to Strengthen the Offensive Line

To fill Dalman’s position, the Falcons signed offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson to their 53-man roster, alongside an exciting reunion with Matt Hennessy, a former third-round draft pick from 2020, who is rejoining the team as part of the practice squad.

Drew Dalman's Impact and Recovery Timeline

Drew Dalman, now in his third year with the Falcons, has been a crucial component of their offensive strategy since he took over as the starting center in 2022. Known for his exceptional athleticism and proficiency in zone blocking, Dalman has played a vital role in facilitating the Falcons' rushing attack. Unfortunately, due to his move to IR, he will be sidelined for a minimum of four games, with a potential return set for Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In last Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Ryan Neuzil stepped in for Dalman and impressively played 42 snaps, allowing only a single pressure – a noteworthy performance that could impact the team's decision-making going forward.

Welcoming Back Familiar Faces

The Falcons’ offensive line is experiencing a blast from the past, particularly with the recruitment of Elijah Wilkinson and Matt Hennessy. Wilkinson, a versatile lineman capable of playing both tackle and guard, previously started nine games at left guard for Atlanta last season before his own bout with injury led him to be placed on IR. He then spent the offseason with the Arizona Cardinals but is now making his way back to familiar territory.

Matt Hennessy brings additional depth to the offensive line; he was a key player for Atlanta from 2020 to 2022, starting in 22 games. Unfortunately, Hennessy was placed on IR before the 2023 training camp and missed the entire season. After a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, he was waived during the final roster cuts, making his return to the Falcons both timely and significant.

Looking Ahead: The Future for the Falcons

As the Falcons navigate through these injury challenges, the hope is for a speedy recovery for Dalman. Meanwhile, the return of Wilkinson and Hennessy adds valuable experience and stability to the offensive unit, with fans eagerly anticipating how these changes will affect the team's dynamics moving forward. Could this be the turning point the Falcons need to boost their season? Keep an eye on their upcoming games!