The Atlanta Falcons have designated defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro to return from the injured reserve list, opening the rookie’s 21-day practice window on Wednesday.
Orhorhoro has been out since suffering an ankle injury during the team’s Week 8 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He returns right as the Falcons defense is starting to take off. The team recorded a season-high five sacks in Sunday’s loss to the Chargers.
Atlanta also signed safety Dane Cruikshank to the practice squad after releasing kicker Riley Patterson and linebacker Tyreek Maddox-Williams.
Cruikshank, 29, has appeared in two games this season but was released to sign Patterson in Week 13. With kicker Younghoe Koo back healthy, Atlanta decided to bring back the versatile Cruikshank to the practice squad.
On Tuesday, the Falcons signed running back Elijah Dotson to the practice squad. The 25-year-old appeared in four games for the Chargers last season. Dotson has six career rushing yards and two catches for 13 receiving yards.