Bad News: Atlanta Falcons send a linebacker out….never to play again.

 The Atlanta Falcons released outside linebacker Ade Ogundeji, the team announced Thursday.

Ogundeji was originally a fifth-round pick by the Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft. He saw action in all but one game as a rookie, starting 11 of his 16 appearances. He made 33 tackles in addition to two quarterback hits, a sack, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery.

In 2022, Ogundeji started all 16 games in which he played, still missing just one overall. He made 42 tackles with two sacks as a sophomore.

Ogundeji was likely on track for a similar output in 2023, but a training camp injury derailed those plans before they could even begin. He injured his foot during the Falcons training camp in August. He was placed on injured reserve for the whole year.

When the Falcons held open practice last Tuesday for 2024 organized team activities, Ogundeji was not see on the field with the rest of the team.

This transaction now brings the Falcons’ roster total back to 89. They have a 90-man limit in the preseason. Reminder: Defensive end Kenny Oginni does not count toward the tally since he has been designated as the Falcons’ international player for the 2024 season.