The Atlanta Falcons are trending toward better health, with players like Justin Simmons returning and both Chris Lindstrom and Drew Dalman being listed as questionable, but they suffered a major blow on Friday even so.
That would be the loss of Ruke Orhorhoro, the promising young defensive lineman who had been gaining more snaps and trust from the coaching staff since making his debut a few weeks back. Orhorhoro exited the second game against the Buccaneers early on and was declared out; now we know he’s headed to injured reserve.
Orhorhoro’s absence hurts a defensive line that was demonstrably better with him; we may see fellow rookie Brandon Dorlus for the first time with him on the shelf for the next few weeks.