Starting in Week 4

Gholston will draw the start at defensive tackle in place of Beau Allen (foot) for Sunday's Week 4 tilt against the Bears, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: The veteran defensive tackle gets the starting nod despite first-round pick Vita Vea (calf) also being active for the first time. Gholston has logged three tackles (two solo) this season while serving in a rotational role over the first three games.

Gholston recently told new defensive line coach Brentson Buckner that he is down 15 pounds this offseason, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The veteran defensive end reported that he felt like he got "too big" last season, limiting his overall effectiveness. Gholston's numbers may bear that out, as he generated his fewest tackles (36) since his rookie 2013 campaign and failed to record a sack for the first time in his five-year career. The 26-year-old is slated to play more of a rotational defensive end role this season -- as opposed to serving as a clear-cut starter -- in the wake of the offseason signing of Vinny Curry.

Gholston recorded 36 tackles over 14 games in 2017.

Analysis: Gholston has never been much of a force as a pass rusher -- he generally is moved to the interior of the defensive line in obvious pass situations -- but this season he set a career low in the sack department as he didn't reach the quarterback a single time. He fared much better in run support, however, and remains on the IDP radar heading into 2018 thanks to his typically strong tackle production.

Gholston tallied four tackles (all solo), including one for loss, in Monday night's 24-21 loss to the Falcons. He was also credited with a blocked field goal.

Analysis: Gholston ensured that a massive 16-play, 61-yard drive by the Falcons that ate up 7:15 of the third quarter went for naught when he got his hand on Matt Bryant's 33-yard field-goal attempt and disrupted the kick. His tackle total was also his best since way back in Week 3, when he posted a season-high eight against the Vikings. Despite some serviceable efforts this season, Gholston needs to notch at least one sack in the final two games to avoid coming up empty in that category for the first…read more

Gholston (neck) registered three solo tackles -- including one for loss -- in Sunday's 34-20 loss to the Falcons.

Analysis: The 26-year-old defensive end was back in action after missing the prior two games following his Week 9 neck injury. Gholston recorded his first stop behind the line of scrimmage since Week 3, but he remains without a sack after logging three apiece in each of the past two seasons. Due to his relatively marginal production, he's only a fantasy consideration in the deepest of IDP formats.

Gholston (neck) is active for Sunday's Week 12 tilt against the Falcons.

Analysis: As expected, the 26-year-old will return from a two-game absence due to a scary neck injury suffered in Week 9 against the Saints. Gholston was able to log full practices both Thursday and Friday, cementing his return. His presence will be particularly valued against the Falcons, considering that fellow defensive end Robert Ayers (concussion) is out for the contest.

Gholston logged another full practice Friday but is still listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.

Analysis: Gholston, who has missed the last two games with a neck injury, appears on track to return in Week 12. However, the team is being cautious with this injury designation, so a final decision on his status is unlikely to be confirmed until closer to kickoff. Ryan Russell would presumably fill in at defensive end should Gholston suffer some type of setback.

Gholston (neck) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Analysis: With Gholston following up a limited session Wednesday with a full one Thursday, the defensive end looks to be ready to return to the field just two weeks after being carted off with a serious neck injury. Expect confirmation on Gholston's status to come in the next day or two.

Gholston (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 11 tilt against the Dolphins by head coach Dirk Koetter, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: The 26-year-old defensive end endured some tense moments in the Week 9 loss to the Saints when he was carted off the field with his injury, but he has been slowly working back toward normal functioning. Gholston was still wearing a neck brace last week and it doesn't appear as if he'll return to the practice field until Week 12 prep begins, at the earliest.

Gholston (neck), who was carted off the field during Sunday's 30-10 loss to the Saints, is already ruled out for Week 10, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports. "Still in a neck brace and not ready yet to play football," said head coach Dirk Koetter. "He has been walking around, though."

Analysis: Gholston was expected to miss this coming Sunday's game against the Jets at a minimum, so Wednesday's official confirmation comes as no surprise. The 26-year-old defensive end has 24 tackles (12 solo) on the season, but he's yet to record a sack, turnover or pass defensed. Ryan Russell could draw the start in Gholston's stead this coming Sunday, while veteran Darryl Tapp is also in line to be active for the first time since signing with the team on Oct. 24.