Falcons defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus dodges major injury
FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus, who was having a breakthrough season, injured his hamstring in the 27-24 win over the Rams on Monday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
There was concern that he suffered a major knee injury after the game by Falcons coach Raheem Morris. Dorlus will not play when the Falcons (7-9) face the Saints (6-10) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“We dodged a big-time bullet,” Morris said Wednesday. “We feel pretty good about the injury. He’s going to miss a couple of weeks. Obviously, he’ll miss this game. We do know what happened as opposed to what everybody thought.”
Dorlus was injured on a running play by Rams back Kyren Williams with 12:53 left in the third quarter.
“I know, it’s not a ligament,” Morris said. “We dodged a big-time bullet that way. … He has an injury that’s going to require a couple of weeks.”
Dorlus was drafted in the fourth round (109th) out of Oregon in 2024. He played in only two games as a rookie.
In the new attacking-style defense implemented by first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, Dorlus was thriving. He played in 15 games and made nine starts. He has 8.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits and 11 tackles for loss. He also made 27 tackles.
Ruke Orhorhoro is listed as Dorlus’ backup on the Falcons’ depth chart.
Dorlus, cornerback Mike Hughes and cornerback Clark Phillips III did not practice, according to the official injury report. The Falcons held a walk through and the practice report was an estimate.
Safety DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring) had has 21-day designated to return from injure reserve window activated.
Wide receiver Drake London (knee), tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee), safety DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring), defensive tackle Same Roberts (knee/angle) were listed as limited.
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Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
