Falcons defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin is set to play against the Jets, coach Dan Quinn said on Thursday.
Rubin (6-foot-2, 310 pounds) was signed on Oct. 19. The 10-year veteran was signed to bolster the interior of the defense which has been hit by injury.
He should help the Falcons run defense which has given up 117, 138 and 162 yards, respectively, in each of a three-game losing streak.
“I wouldn’t say him by himself, but it definitely would help out,” defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel said. “I think that’s one of the things that as many guys that you can have in our Brotherhood on the interior to help out. Those guys ... that rotation between those guys, it helps come the fourth quarter. He’s going to help from that standpoint.”
The Falcons lost defensive tackle Jack Crawford for the season with a biceps injury. Courtney Upshaw returned to action last week after missing nearly three games. Also, the Falcons cut former second-round pick RaShede Hageman after his domestic violence case was settled.
Rubin spent seven years with the Browns, two with the Seahawks and played in two games for the Broncos this season.
Cleveland drafted him in the fifth round in 2008 out of Iowa State. He’s played in 132 NFL games, starting 107, with 413 combined tackles and assists, 15 sacks, six forced fumbles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery.
Rubin was released by Denver Oct. 17.
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