Washington Commanders defensive end Efe Obada (97) Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

The Commanders will welcome back a key member of their defensive line for Sunday’s game against the Falcons. The team announced that they’ve activated Efe Obada from injured reserve.

Obada spent the first five weeks of the season on IR while dealing with a patella tendon injury. He was designated to return to practice earlier this week, and after being listed as questionable heading into the weekend, he’s since been removed from the injury report.

While the Commanders will surely welcome Obada back to their defensive line corps, the team isn’t in dire need of pass-rush help. The team has collected 11.5 sacks from their starting four on the defensive line, meaning the veteran addition will be sliding into a backup role for the time being.

Obada had a breakout season with the Panthers back in 2020, finishing with 5.5 sacks and 15 QB hits despite starting just one game. He added another 3.5 sacks to his resume in 10 games with the Bills in 2021 before he joined the Commanders for the 2022 campaign. While he served as a situational backup to Montez Sweat and Chase Young, Obada still managed to finish his first season in Washington with four sacks. The Commanders re-signed him this past offseason.

The team wasn’t done making moves Saturday morning. The Commanders also announced that they’ve released defensive tackle Abdullah Anderson and promoted cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields from the practice squad. Anderson appeared in all five games for the Commanders this season, collecting five tackles and 0.5 sacks.

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