The Falcons activated outside linebacker Dante Fowler to the 53-man roster Saturday.

Fowler had been on the injured-reserve list since Oct. 22 after he injured his left knee against the Jets in London on Oct. 10.

In a corresponding move, the Falcons placed outside linebacker Steven Means on the IR. Means sustained a knee injury Sunday in the Falcons’ 27-25 victory against the Saints.

Also Saturday, Falcons tight end Lee Smith (back) and defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (concussion) were ruled of Sunday’s game against the Cowboys, which begins at 1 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Earlier in the week, the Falcons ruled cornerback Kendall Sheffield (hamstring) out for the game Sunday.

“I don’t think it’s long-term,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said of Sheffield’s injury.

After Fowler missed the past three games, his 21-day period to return from short-term injured reserve began Monday. Coach Arthur Smith said Friday that the Falcons were “cautious” with Fowler this week, but the team will need Fowler to boost a pass rush for a team that ranks last in the NFL in sacks, with 11, and is on the hot seat for Sunday’s game.

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