Falcons LB Akeem Dent is expected to undergo an offseason "cleanout" procedure on his ankle. He's currently getting a second opinion. Dent lost his starting job to undrafted rookie MLB Paul Worrilow in 2013, and finished with 51 tackles after registering 65 as a 13-game starter in 2012. He's likely to return to Atlanta on a cheap $725,000 base salary, but has no value in Dynasty IDP leagues.

Falcons MLB Akeem Dent (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 5. Being ruled out four days in advance of Monday night's tilt with the Jets is a sign Dent has a high-ankle sprain. The hits just keep on coming for the Falcons, who will likely be forced to go with journeyman Omar Gaither in Dent's absence.

Falcons MLB Akeem Dent (ankle) was held out of Thursday's practice, and spotted in a walking boot.

Falcons MLB Akeem Dent left Sunday night's Week 4 game with an ankle injury. His return is questionable. Paul Worrilow also exited in the third quarter with a knee injury and will be held out for the rest of the game.

Falcons MLB Akeem Dent has lost his starting job. Dent has struggled in pass coverage this season and will be replaced by undrafted rookie Paul Worrilow. He should still see playing time in sub-packages as a situational run stopper.

Falcons MLB Akeem Dent was promoted to a full-time player in Week 6 against the Raiders. Dent opened the season as an early-down thumper, or essentially a situational run defender. He was used in the nickel package too against Oakland, and racked up eight tackles while playing every one of Atlanta's 73 defensive snaps. ESPN's Pat Yasinskas suspects Dent was only used as an every-down linebacker because SLB Stephen Nicholas was injured and played strictly special teams.

Falcons MLB Akeem Dent (concussion) has been medically cleared for contact. He'll resume practicing in team drills immediately and play in Atlanta's third preseason game. Concussed in the exhibition opener, Dent remains on track to start at middle linebacker in Week 1. The fact that Dent will leave the field on virtually every passing down means he's more of an LB3 in IDP leagues.

Falcons MLB Akeem Dent left Thursday's preseason opener with a concussion. The concussion may be a bit of a relief, as it initially appeared that Dent was forced from the game due to a more serious knee injury. The Falcons' new starter in the middle will have to pass the customary battery of tests to return to the field next week.

Akeem Dent has emerged as the favorite to start at middle linebacker for the Falcons following Lofa Tatupu's pectoral injury. ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas suggests that the Falcons' coaching staff had wanted Dent to claim the job all along. He's now going to get it, "ready or not." Dent is expected to be a two-down player, coming off the field in nickel packages. He may still push for 90 tackles, but will lose big-play potential.

Middle linebackers Akeem Dent and Lofa Tatupu are alternating with the first-team defense during minicamp. Curtis Lofton is now in New Orleans, leaving the early-down middle 'backer gig wide open. Tatupu might have the edge as the more experienced player, but he's been slowed by knee issues of late. Either way, there's not much IDP upside here.