David Onyemata Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Seahawks vs Falcons game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Jan 8, 2025
Productive second season in Atlanta
Onyemata finished the 2024 season with 45 total tackles (23 solo), including 3.0 sacks, while also adding a pass defensed over 17 games.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata was able to appear in all 17 of Atlanta's games this season, reaching 45 takedowns, which is his second-highest total in nine NFL campaigns. The nose tackle remains under contract with the Falcons for one more year and he'll likely return to his starting role with the team in 2025.
Dec 2, 2024
Notches sack in loss
Onyemata recorded four total tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sacks, in Sunday's 17-13 loss to the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata was able to get to Justin Herbert for his first sack since Week 5, raising his season total to 2.0 sacks over 12 games. The defensive lineman has now registered 34 total tackles (17 solo), including the 2.0 sacks, while also securing a pass defensed in 2024.
Sep 9, 2024
Clear starter in Week 1
Onyemata produced two tackles (one solo) during Sunday's 18-10 loss to the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata played 43 of Atlanta's 68 defensive snaps in Week 1, a solid amount for a 300-pound DT, but his production was lackluster. Onyemata finished with a career-high 50 tackles, including four sacks, last season, but he may face more double teams this season, as Atlanta's switch to a 3-4 defense may leave him alone in the middle of the trenches more often.
Jan 17, 2024
Career-high 50 tackles in 2023
Onyemata finished 2023 with 50 tackles (25 solo), four sacks, three pass defenses and two forced fumbles in 14 appearances.
ANALYSIS
After seven years in New Orleans, Onyemata joined the Falcons on a three-year deal last offseason. In his first season with Atlanta, the 2016 fourth-round pick notched career highs in tackles and forced fumbles despite missing three games due to injury. Onyemata likely won't flirt with double-digit sacks, but he's recorded multiple sacks in seven straight seasons, totaling 27 during that stretch. Onyemata figures to remain a key piece of Atlanta's defense over the next two seasons.
Dec 29, 2023
Ready to play at Chicago
Onyemata (ankle) was a full participant at practice Friday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
His availability at practice signals that Onyemata should suit up Sunday at Chicago. He figures to resume a starting role at nose tackle across from a run-heavy Bears offense in Week 17.
Dec 27, 2023
Limited Wednesday
Onyemata (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata has been dealing with the ankle issue for weeks but was able to play last week after missing the previous two games. He played his normal allotment of snaps versus Indianapolis but recorded zero tackles and just one quarterback hit.
Dec 24, 2023
Active Sunday
Onyemata (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Colts.
ANALYSIS
The starting nose tackle is back after a two-game absence. Onyemata's return should relegate Ta'Quon Graham to the bench. Onyemata has 45 tackles, three passes defensed and two forced fumbles in 2023.
Dec 22, 2023
Questionable for Week 16
Onyemata (ankle) is considered questionable to play Sunday versus the Colts, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata was able to practice in a limited capacity this week after missing the last two games with an ankle injury, but his status is still uncertain for Week 16. If he's forced to sit out again, Ta'Quon Graham will draw another start at nose tackle.
Dec 21, 2023
Manages limited practice
Onyemata (ankle) was a limited participant during practice Thursday, Amna Subhan of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata was able to log a limited practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's session with an ankle injury. The veteran nose tackle missed both Week 15 and 16, so his upgrade in practice participation is a good sign. Onyemata will have one more opportunity to turn in a full practice and head into a Week 16 matchup against the Colts without an injury designation.
Dec 17, 2023
Wont play Week 15
Onyemata (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Scott Bair of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata entered the weekend deemed questionable to suit up Sunday, but he was officially ruled out Saturday. This will be his second straight missed contest and third overall this season. In Onyemata's stead, Ta'Quon Graham will likely see a larger role.
Dec 15, 2023
Questionable for Sunday at Carolina
Onyemata (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Carolina.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata is in jeopardy of missing his second straight contest as he deals with a lingering ankle injury. If he can't go in Week 15, Albert Huggins will probably start at nose tackle instead.
Dec 14, 2023
Misses practice Thursday
Onyemata (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata missed practice Wednesday despite practicing in a limited fashion Wednesday, casting some doubt over his availability for Sunday's game against the Panthers. The 31-year-old defensive tackle was unable to practice last week before ultimately being ruled out for Week 14. Onyemata will have one more practice to return to the field ahead of Week 15.
Dec 13, 2023
Making progress toward return
Onyemata (ankle) practiced in a limited fashion Wednesday, Amna Subhan of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata was unable to practice last week and missed the team's Week 14 matchup with the Buccaneers. His return to the field Wednesday is a sign of progress for the 31-year-old and for now puts him on the right track to suit up Week 15 against the Panthers.
Dec 8, 2023
Out for Sunday
Onyemata (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
The veteran defensive tackle has been dealing with an ankle issue since the beginning of November, and he was unable to practice all week, so it's no surprise that he's since been ruled out ahead of Sunday's affair. With Onyemata missing time, expect Ta'Quon Graham to serve as Atlanta's top nose tackle in Week 14.
Dec 6, 2023
Misses practice Wednesday
Onyemata (ankle) was held out of Wednesday's practice session, Amna Subhan of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Arthur Smith told reporters before Wednesday's practice that Onyemata would be held out due to an ankle issue he has been dealing with since the beginning of November. He was held out for Week 10 but has played in the Falcons' last two games. In Sunday's 13-8 win over the Jets, Onyemata played 36 defensive snaps and recorded four tackles (two solo).
Nov 24, 2023
Good to go for Week 12
Onyemata (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Saints.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata missed Atlanta's Week 10 game against the Cardinals but will return following the team's Week 11 bye. The defensive tackle gained clearance with a full practice Friday after opening the week with a pair of limited sessions.
Nov 12, 2023
Inactive Sunday
Onyemata (ankle) will not play in Sunday's clash with the Cardinals,
ANALYSIS
Although Onyemata was upgraded to consecutive limited practices to finish the week, he will ultimately be held out. In his absence, look for Ta'Quon Graham to fill in at nose tackle.
Nov 10, 2023
Questionable to face Arizona
Onyemata (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's Week 10 game against the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata was upgraded to limited practices to finish out the week after being sidelined Wednesday. With Grady Jarrett (knee) already done for the season, the Falcons can't afford to lose Onyemata on the interior of their defensive line, especially with the Cardinals getting Kyler Murray (knee) and James Conner (knee) back for Week 10.
Nov 9, 2023
Upgraded to limited Thursday
Onyemata (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, getting in a limited session.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata was listed as DNP Wednesday, but the Thursday return puts the veteran lineman on track to play against the Cardinals Sunday. Onyemata has started all nine games this season, recording 39 tackles (18 solo), 3.5 sacks, three batted passes and one forced fumble on 65 percent of the defensive snaps.
Nov 6, 2023
Makes impact in loss
Onyemata recorded 10 tackles (five solo), including a sack and forced fumble, during Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata recorded a season-high 10 tackles and forced his first turnover of the campaign. His strip-sack set the Falcons up at the Vikings' one-yard line, but they settled for a field goal. Onyemata is enjoying a strong start to his first season in Atlanta, posting 39 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three pass defenses and one forced fumble across nine games, and is currently on pace to reach career-high marks in just about every major defensive statistic.
Oct 2, 2023
Records first sack of season
Onyemata recorded seven tackles (two solo) and 1.5 sacks during Sunday's 23-7 loss to Jacksonville.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata finished with a season-high seven tackles and notched his first QB takedown of 2023, making him one of the lone bright spots in an ugly loss. After seven years in New Orleans, the veteran opted for a bigger role with the Falcons, and he's off to a quick start with his new squad. In 2020, Onyemata set career highs with 44 tackles and 6.5 sacks across 15 appearances. If he continues at this pace, the 30-year-old may surpass those numbers this season.
Mar 13, 2023
Joins division rival
The Falcons signed Onyemata to a three-year, $35 million contract on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata's new deal with Atlanta includes $24.5 million in guaranteed money across a three-year span, per Schefter. The 30-year-old spent the previous seven campaigns with New Orleans and tallied 43 tackles and five sacks in 2022. He'll now compete for a starting spot on the Falcons' defensive line throughout the offseason and into training camp.
Jan 13, 2023
Set to hit free agency
Onyemata logged 43 tackles (25 solo), five sacks, one pass defended and one fumble recovery over 17 games during the 2022 season.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata played every regular-season game for the first time since the 2018 season, allowing him to log a career-high 649 defensive snaps. The 30-year-old defensive tackle also finished fifth on the Saints in sacks this season. Onyemata spent the first seven seasons of his career with New Orleans, though he is now set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Oct 30, 2022
Playing Sunday
Onyemata (illness) is active Sunday against the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata has recovered from his illness after it impacted his practice status this week. He should remain a primary piece of the Saints defensive line rotation.
Oct 26, 2021
Suspension lifted
Onyemata's suspension was lifted Tuesday, and the Saints will receive a roster exemption for him through Nov. 1, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.
ANALYSIS
During the offseason, Onyemata was suspended for six games for violating the NFL Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances. The suspension couldn't have come at a worst time for the 2016 fourth-round pick, as he finished 2020 with a career-highs in tackles (44), QB hits (16) and sacks (6.5). He will look to regain that form when he joins the Saints for their Week 8 divisional clash with the Buccaneers.
Jul 16, 2021
Suspended for six games
Onyemata will be suspended for six games for violating the NFL Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata released a statement Friday morning on Instagram suggesting he may have accidentally consumed a banned substance in one of his supplements. It leaves the Saints even thinner at one of their weakest positions, after veteran DTs Malcom Brown and Sheldon Rankins signed with other teams earlier this offseason. And now Onyemata will be out until Week 8, though he's free to participate in all activities -- including training camp and the preseason -- up until Week 1. The 2016 fourth-round pick finished 2020 with career highs for tackles (44), QB hits (16) and sacks (6.5), outplaying Rankins (a 2016 first-rounder) for the second straight year.
Jul 16, 2021
Suspended for start of season
Onyemata revealed Friday that he'll be suspended for part of the 2021 season after testing positive for a banned substance, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata didn't elaborate on the length of his suspension, but recent PED bans (WR Will Fuller, CB Bradley Roby) suggest it could be up to six games. The 28-year-old defensive tackle made 30 starts for New Orleans over the past two seasons, including a 2020 breakout with career highs for tackles (44), QB hits (16) and sacks (6.5). The Saints already had issues with depth at defensive tackle, after losing Malcom Brown (to the Jaguars) and Sheldon Rankins (to the Jets) earlier this offseason. The current roster doesn't offer much experience at defensive tackle behind projected starters Onyemata and Shy Tuttle.
Jan 31, 2021
Career year in 2020
Onyemata recorded 44 tackles (20 solo), 6.5 sacks, two passes defended and an interception across 15 regular-season games in 2020.
ANALYSIS
Those numbers were all career highs for the fifth-year man, who's spent his entire career with New Orleans. He's been a key contributor on defense since entering the NFL, and he'll look to set new career-best numbers when he returns to New Orleans in 2021.
Dec 6, 2020
Records sack in win
Onyemata totaled four tackles (two solo) and a sack in the Saints' 21-16 win over the Falcons on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata recorded just one tackle in Week 12, though he was much more involved in this one, piling up four tackles and registering his sixth sack of the year. He'll look to add to that career-high total in Week 14 against the Eagles.
Nov 23, 2020
Two sacks Sunday
Onyemata produced three tackles (three solo), two sacks and two tackles for a loss in the Saints' 24-9 win over the Falcons on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
With the performance, Onyemata brought his season sack total to five and set a new career high in season sacks, eclipsing his mark of 4.5 set in 2018. A matchup with Denver in Week 12 offers a chance to add to that total.
Nov 9, 2020
First career interception
Onyemata recorded an interception in the Saints' 38-3 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
The big man nabbed his first career interception Sunday, salvaging an otherwise uneventful day. Through eight games, Onyemata is well on his way to a career year in his fifth NFL season.
Nov 2, 2020
Another sack in victory
Onyemata totaled five tackles (one solo), one sack and a tackle for a loss in the Saints' 26-23 OT win over the Bears on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata isn't a volume tackler, but he's now racked up three sacks through six games played. He'll have plenty of upside to get to the quarterback in Week 9 against Tampa Bay.
Oct 4, 2020
Records sack in win
Onyemata finished with one solo tackle, one sack and a tackle for a loss in the Saints' 35-29 win over the Lions on Sunday.in the Saints' 35-29 win over the Lions on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata was held out of Week 3's loss to the Packers, but he returned in Week 4 for a productive showing. He recorded his second sack in as many games played and remains a weekly threat to get to the quarterback as long as he takes the field.
Oct 1, 2020
Back to full health
Onyemata (calf) is not listed on Thursday's injury report, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata wasn't able to suit up against the Packers on Sunday, but it looks as though he's now fully recovered from his calf injury. He's on track to handle his usual rotational role at Detroit in Week 4.
Sep 27, 2020
Inactive Sunday night
Onyemata (calf) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Packers, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata was a late addition to New Orleans' injury report, but his calf issue is serious enough that he'll need to miss at least a week. With Marcus Davenport (elbow) also inactive, the Saints' defensive front could find it difficult to contain Green Bay's potent ground game.
Sep 25, 2020
Dealing with calf issue
Onyemata (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Packers, Amie Just of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata didn't appear on the Saints' practice report until Friday, when he was limited due to a calf injury. The development may indicate a brand-new health concern, but the defensive front nonetheless enters the weekend banged up, with all of Onyemata, Marcus Davenport (elbow), Trey Hendrickson (groin) and Malcom Brown (foot) questionable for Sunday's game.
Sep 22, 2020
Records sack in loss
Onyemata totaled six tackles (two solo), 1.5 tackles for a loss, and a sack in the Saints' 34-24 loss to the Raiders on Monday.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata was busy Monday, as he did his best to contain elite back Josh Jacobs. As a member of New Orleans' powerful defensive line, Onyemata has weekly sack upside, though he rarely sees this amount of tackles.
Mar 16, 2020
Back in Big Easy
The Saints and Onyemata agreed to a contract Monday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Onyemata finished out his rookie deal with the Saints collecting 32 tackles (22 solo) and three sacks while starting in all 15 of his regular-season appearances in 2019. The official terms of the deal remain unclear, however, Onyemata will likely assume his same starting role across the defensive front for the Saints heading into 2020.
Jan 8, 2020
Concludes rookie contract
Onyemata accounted for 32 tackles (22 solo) and 3.0 sacks in 2019.
ANALYSIS
After starting 10 total games over his first three seasons, Onyemata started all 15 of his regular-season appearances in 2019, though he saw a three-year low in defensive snaps. The fourth-rounder from Manitoba will be a free agent in 2020 after finishing out his rookie contract, and it's not clear yet if he'll sign a new deal with New Orleans.
Download the app