The Falcons release the inactive list ahead of the Thursday Night Football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

ATLANTA – For the first time this season, the Falcons kept rookie defenseman Ruke Orhorhoro active on game day. After being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Orhorhoro had not yet made his regular season debut for the Falcons as he was considered a healthy player through the first four games of the season. That status changed for the Falcons' Thursday Night Football matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Because of his active status, the Falcons had to make a decision about who they would leave inactive in his place. It turned out to be fellow defender Kentavius ​​Street. Street played a rotating role in the Falcons' first four games of the season, playing between 26 and 31% of the Falcons' defensive snaps. He recorded four total tackles in those reps.

Brandon Dorlus, a rookie defensive lineman, did not join Orhorhoro as an active player, nor did running back Jase McClellan.

As a reminder, the Falcons have already ruled out inside linebacker Troy Andersen for Thursday night's game. He suffered a knee injury in Atlanta's win over the Saints last Sunday. He did not take part in training or the walkthrough this week as Raheem Morris officially ruled him out on Wednesday. With Nate Landman still on injured reserve, rookie inside linebacker JD Bertrand is expected to start alongside Kaden Elliss.

On the other side of the ball line, the Falcons signed guard/center Matt Hennessy off the practice squad early Thursday. With right tackle Kaleb McGary returning from a knee injury that kept him out of last Sunday's game, the Falcons have a good offense heading into Thursday night. Because of this, they decided to leave center back Elijah Wilkinson and Jovaughn Gwyn inactive.

Here is the Falcons' entire list of inactive players ahead of Thursday night's game: