NW Atlanta News

Defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro is anticipated to return to practice this week, as confirmed by Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. Orhorhoro had been sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during the Week 8 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was placed on the injured/reserve list on November 1.

"I'm expecting Ruke back going this week in practice and doing some really good things," Morris stated on Monday. "He'll be activated this week. He had the extra week for him because of the bye (week), that doesn't count as far as the injury reserve, but it looks like he's going to be fine."

The rookie defensive lineman has participated in five games, recording five total tackles and a quarterback hit. His return adds depth to a Falcons' pass rush that has recently shown improvement. The defense achieved a season-high of five sacks against the Chargers after managing only ten through the previous eleven games.

Before the bye week, Morris indicated that Orhorhoro was nearing his return alongside safety DeMarcco Hellams. However, Morris noted on Monday that Hellams' return remains "still on the shelf." The second-year safety was placed on injured reserve on August 27 following an ankle injury in a preseason game against Miami.

Apart from these injuries, the Falcons report relatively few health issues coming out of Week 13. A more detailed assessment will emerge once practice resumes on Wednesday, according to Morris. Nonetheless, it is evident that Orhorhoro will at least rejoin team activities.