FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons designated rookie defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro to return to practice on Wednesday, starting his 21-day window to either return to the active roster or be shut down for the season.
Orhorhoro sustained an ankle injury during the Week 8 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was subsequently placed on the injured/reserve list on Nov. 1.
"I'm expecting Ruke back going this week in practice and doing some really good things," Morris said 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 appeared in five games recording five total tackles and a quarterback hit. Orhorhoro adds depth to a Falcons' pass rush that's come alive as of late. The defense brought down the quarterback with a season-high five sacks against the Chargers; they had 10 through 11 games previously.
Morris said before the bye week that Orhorhoro was close to returning along with safety DeMarcco Hellams. Morris did note Monday that Hellams' return is "still on the shelf." The second-year safety was sent to injured reserven on Aug. 27 after sustaining an ankle injury in the Falcons' preseason game in Miami.
The Falcons have no new significant injuries coming out of Week 13, and Morris said the team is in a similar spot as last week health-wise. A clearer picture will form once Wednesday's injury report is released, but specific game availability for a player might not be known until Friday's game report or inactives are announced before kickoff. It's clear, though, that Orhorhoro will be back in the fold for practice at least.
Additionally, Atlanta has signed safety Dane Cruikshank to its practice squad.
(Editor's note: This story was initially published on Monday, Dec. 2, and has been updated to reflect Orhorhoro's official designation for return to practice as well as the Cruikshank signing.)
