FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga — Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman was designated to return from injured reserve on Monday, and he returned to practice in a limited fashion on Wednesday as the team begins on-field preparations for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.
Landman has missed the team's previous four games after going on IR with calf and quad injuries prior to Atlanta's Week 2 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. His return would be a big boost for a defense that has limited points but is still working to improve on third downs.
"Opened his window today, so obviously he'll go out and get a chance to go out there and get some physical work with the team, get him to do some different things, get a chance to move him," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said Monday. "And, obviously, you got a couple of weeks before you got to make a decision whether you put him on the actual roster to play him in the game, and all those types of things. But we'll see where he is, we'll progress throughout the week, and we'll see what's going on with Nate. And hopefully as always to get him back to play."
Fellow linebacker Troy Andersen also missed the Falcons' Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he was listed as a non-participant on the team's Wednesday injury report to begin the week. The status of Atlanta's two linebackers will be monitored throughout the week.
The Falcons relied on rookie inside linebacker JD Bertrand alongside Kaden Elliss in their win against the Buccaneers, and he'd likely be asked to step up again if the team is once again shorthanded.
The fifth-round draft pick played 38 defensive snaps against Tampa Bay, which was his highest total of the season. He finished the game with five tackles, including a nice play on the goal line to deny a touchdown.
"I feel like there's always going to be room to improve, no matter what," Bertrand said of his play. "I felt comfortable. I feel like I made some plays out there. Honestly, it was just awesome just to be out there with the boys."
Atlanta had three other starters listed on Wednesday's injury report.
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney was limited in practice due to a knee injury. Mooney is coming off one of the best games of his career in which he caught nine passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns. He's quickly established an excellent rapport with quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday. Also listed as limited participants were outside linebacker Matthew Judon (hamstring) and cornerback Dee Alford (concussion).
You can view the Falcons' and Panthers' weekly injury reports ahead of Sunday's game here.
