On Friday, the Atlanta Falcons ruled out outside linebacker Dante Fowler for their Week 7 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, and shortly after, the team placed him on the injured reserve list.
This means Fowler will be sidelined for at least three games, delivering a devastating blow to the Falcons’ pass rush.
The Falcons placed OLB Dante Fowler on injured reserve. He’s out now until at least early November due to IR rules.
On the practice squad, the Falcons signed K Elliott Fry and cut S Dwayne Johnson.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) October 22, 2021
Fowler was a disappointment in 2020 after signing as a free agent, but he’s been a pleasant surprise through the first five games of 2021. The former No. 3 overall pick out of Florida has 12 tackles (7 solo), two sacks, three QB hits, two forced fumbles and one pass deflection this season.
In his absence, expect increased reps from linebackers Ade Ogundeji, Jacob Tuioti-Mariner and Steven Means. Although, none of these players will bring the same pass-rushing ability off the edge as Fowler.
Atlanta is currently a 2.5-point favorite over Miami in Week 7.
