Falcons bring CB Darqueze Dennard off IR, have 21 days to active him to roster

The Falcons have been without the services of veteran Darqueze Dennard since Week 3, when he exited the game against the Bears with an injury. Now they’ll be getting a boost to a slowly improving defense, because Dennard is coming back. Soon, anyways.

It’s anyone’s guess whether Dennard will suit up and play a full complement of snaps against the Denver Broncos this coming Sunday, but we’ll hope he can. By designating his return from injured reserve, the team has opened a 21 day period where must activate him to the roster. Until then, he can still practice and get ready for that return, but this does mean the Falcons can essentially decide whether they want him to play against the Broncos or whether they want to save him for after their Week 10 bye.

This would be a major boost for Atlanta, as Dennard had played pretty well in the first three games and was well on his way to an elite day against the Bears after his end zone interception. Owing to A.J. Terrell’s COVID-19 designation and Kendall Sheffield’s injury, Dennard’s return could mark the first time all year the team has had all four of their top corners healthy at the same time. That should make a difference for a secondary that has been a major trouble spot for Atlanta most of the season.

We don’t yet know when Dennard will be activated and how snaps at the position will shake out, but expect a healthy Dennard to immediately start and improve this cornerback group. I’m sure this team is chomping at the bit to get him back into action.