NW Atlanta News

Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman will not participate in the upcoming Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys, according to an announcement made by the team on Saturday. Dalman had been marked to return from injured reserve earlier this week after suffering an ankle injury during the Falcons' Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite being limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, he was a full participant on Friday and listed as questionable for the game.

With Dalman ruled out, backup center Ryan Neuzil is expected to continue filling in for another week. Neuzil has assumed starting duties from Weeks 4 through 8.

In addition to Dalman's status update, the Falcons have elevated defensive lineman Demone Harris and cornerback Natrone Brooks from their practice squad for the third consecutive week. Both players were previously elevated before the Falcons' loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7 and their victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8.

Harris participated in both recent games, accounting for 44% of defensive snaps and contributing two tackles along with a quarterback hit. Meanwhile, Brooks took part in 60% of special teams snaps but did not record any statistics.

The Falcons are set to face off against the Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, with live coverage provided by FOX.

Earlier practice squad elevations throughout this season included cornerback Kevin King and wide receiver Chris Blair in Week 1, safety Dane Cruikshank in Week 2, offensive lineman Matt Hennessy in Weeks 4 through 6 along with inside linebacker Josh Woods in Week 5. Teams have the option to elevate up to two practice squad players per game, but each player can only be elevated three times before they must be signed to the active roster if a fourth elevation is needed.