Dante Fowler returns to practice Wednesday

Good news for a Falcons defense absolutely desperate for anything positive: Dante Fowler is back at practice on Wednesday. Grady Jarrett has been outperforming the rest of the defensive line to an exponential amount. Any additional help for Jarrett would pay dividends, especially as the offense is producing at a great pace.

Fowler was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury on October 22nd. Fowler lead or was tied with the team lead in pressures, sacks, and hits. In has absence, defensive coordinator Dean Pees has been more reliant on blitzing to pressure opposing quarterbacks. The problem with the heavy blitz is the team’s secondary struggles when low on personnel.

Fowler had a knee brace during Wednesday’s practice. It is unclear if he will be limited or on a snap count through practice.

Does this mean Fowler will play on Sunday against the Cowboys? Not necessarily, per Arthur Smith.

The Falcons are likely monitoring Fowler’s injury on his return. Assuming he does not suffer any setbacks, anticipate him playing on Sunday, even if on limited snaps. The team will definitely need some help on Sunday against Dak Prescott and Co. Not only is Dallas coming off of a bad loss to the Denver Broncos, but former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn is coaching its defense. That means the Cowboys will be unlikely to overlook Atlanta.

Fowler’s return would be a decent upgrade for the defense, which seems likely to see a heavy dose of passing from Dallas.