FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga — Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman was designated to return from injured reserve on Monday and participated in limited practice on Wednesday as the team prepares for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.
Landman has missed the last four games after being placed on IR due to calf and quad injuries before Atlanta’s Week 2 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. His return would significantly bolster a defense that has performed well in limiting points but still needs improvement on third downs.
“His window opened today, so he’ll have the opportunity to get some physical work with the team and try out some different things,” said Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on Monday. “We’ll assess where he is throughout the week and see how things progress. Hopefully, we can get him back to play.”
Fellow linebacker Troy Andersen also missed the Falcons’ Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was listed as a non-participant in the injury report on Wednesday. The status of both linebackers will be monitored throughout the week. The Falcons relied on rookie inside linebacker JD Bertrand alongside Kaden Elliss during their victory over the Buccaneers. Bertrand, a fifth-round draft pick, played 38 defensive snaps—his highest total of the season—finishing the game with five tackles, including a crucial play on the goal line that prevented a touchdown.
“There’s always room for improvement, no matter what,” Bertrand said about his performance. “I felt comfortable and made some plays out there. It was awesome just to be out there with the guys.”
The Falcons’ injury report also included three other starters on Wednesday.
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney was limited in practice due to a knee injury. Mooney recently had one of the best games of his career, catching nine passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns. He has quickly developed a strong connection with quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday. Limited participants also included outside linebacker Matthew Judon (hamstring) and cornerback Dee Alford (concussion).
You can view the weekly injury reports for the Falcons and Panthers ahead of Sunday’s game here.