Defensive end Adrian Clayborn is out for this week, but is expected to return this season after knee surgery, according to Falcons coach Dan Quinn on Tuesday.
Clayborn tore the medial collateral ligament, partially torn his meniscus, will have surgery. The Falcons hope that he misses just three weeks.
Clayborn is second on the team with 4.5 sacks. He leads the team with eight tackles for losses, has 20 tackles and one pass breakup.
With Clayborn out, the Falcons used linebacker Philip Wheeler as a rush end at times against the Cardinals.
Clayborn is listed as the No. 2 defensive end behind Brooks Reed. Dwight Freeney is listed No. 3.
Clayborn played 28 of 66 defensive snaps (42 percent) against the Cardinals before suffering his injury.
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