NW Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons have announced several roster changes as they prepare for their upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints. Center Drew Dalman, initially listed as questionable, has been downgraded to out for Sunday's matchup. Dalman has been recovering from an ankle injury that placed him on injured reserve since Week 4. Although he returned to practice two weeks ago, he remains within a 21-day window to be activated or placed on season-ending IR. The team has indicated that the latter option is unlikely given his progress.

In other roster updates, the Falcons have elevated wide receiver Chris Blair and outside linebacker Khalid Kareem from the practice squad. This marks Blair's second elevation after being brought up in Week 1. His inclusion comes as wide receiver Drake London is listed as questionable with a hip injury, having been limited in practice throughout the week.

The Falcons will finalize London's status 90 minutes before kickoff when they release their inactives list. The game against the Saints is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET Sunday and will be broadcast live on FOX from the Caesars Superdome.

The team's previous practice squad elevations this season include:

- Week 1: cornerback Kevin King and wide receiver Chris Blair

- Week 2: safety Dane Cruikshank

- Week 3: none

- Week 4: offensive lineman Matt Hennessy

- Week 5: Hennessy and inside linebacker Josh Woods

- Week 6: Hennessy and King

- Week 7: defensive lineman Demone Harris and defensive back Natrone Brooks

- Week 8: Harris and Brooks

- Week 9: Harris and Brooks

Teams are allowed to elevate up to two practice squad players per game, with each player eligible for elevation a maximum of three times before requiring a spot on the active roster.