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Fantasy Player Profile David Onyemata

  • David Onyemata
  • DL #90
  • David
    Onyemata
  • AActive
  • Manager: FA
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vs. SEA: #13 vs opposing DL - 13.71 FPA

News

  • Active for Week 14

    Onyemata (foot) is active for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

    Analysis: Despite not logging a full practice during Week 14 prep, Onyemata will give it a go against Seattle and keep his perfect attendance streak alive. In 12 appearances, the veteran has posted 43 tackles, including 1.0 sacks.

    Published: Sun, Dec 7 at 8:36am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Questionable for Sunday

    Onyemata (foot) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks.

    Analysis: The 33-year-old upgraded from a DNP on Thursday to a limited session Friday, suggesting he's trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday. Onyemata has appeared in all 12 of Atlanta's games this season, recording 43 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks. If active for the Week 14 contest, he's expected to operate as one of the Falcons' top interior defensive linemen.

    Published: Fri, Dec 5 at 12:39pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Begins week sidelined

    Onyemata (foot) did not practice Wednesday.

    Analysis: Onyemata has suited up for all 12 games this season and this marked the first time he was on the injury report. He still has plenty of time to get ready to suit up in Week 14 against Seattle, though the severity of his injury is unclear.

    Published: Wed, Dec 3 at 5:27pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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 will likely return to his starting role with the team in 2025.

    Published: Tue, Jan 7 at 9:16pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Mon, Dec 2 at 6:37pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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 4.0 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.

    Published: Mon, Sep 9 at 12:18pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Career-high 50 tackles in 2023

    Onyemata finished 2023 with 50 tackles (25 solo), 4.0 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.

    Published: Wed, Jan 17 at 9:18am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Fri, Dec 29 at 10:56am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Wed, Dec 27 at 3:28pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Sun, Dec 24 at 8:49am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Fri, Dec 22 at 11:21am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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 14 and Week 15, 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.

    Published: Thu, Dec 21 at 6:49pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Sun, Dec 17 at 8:22am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Fri, Dec 15 at 1:12pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Misses practice Thursday

    Onyemata (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday.

    Analysis: Onyemata's Thursday absence was preceded by a limited practice Wednesday, casting some doubt on 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 opportunity to practice Friday ahead of Week 15.

    Published: Thu, Dec 14 at 7:03pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Wed, Dec 13 at 2:46pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Fri, Dec 8 at 12:16pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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).

    Published: Wed, Dec 6 at 4:24pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Fri, Nov 24 at 2:03pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Sun, Nov 12 at 11:40am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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 potentially James Conner (knee) back for Week 10.

    Published: Fri, Nov 10 at 10:33am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Upgraded to limited Thursday

    Onyemata (ankle) returned to practice Thursday, getting in a limited session.

    Analysis: Onyemata was listed as DNP on Wednesday, but the Thursday return puts the veteran lineman on track to play against the Cardinals on Sunday. Onyemata has started all nine games this season, recording 39 tackles (18 solo), including 3.5 sacks, three batted passes and one forced fumble on 65 percent of the defensive snaps.

    Published: Thu, Nov 9 at 3:11pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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' 1-yard line, but they settled for a field goal. Onyemata is enjoying a strong start to his first season in Atlanta, posting 39 tackles, including 3.5 sacks, three pass defenses and one forced fumble across nine games, and he's currently on pace to reach career-high marks in just about every major defensive statistic.

    Published: Mon, Nov 6 at 11:41am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Records first sack of season

    Onyemata recorded seven tackles (two solo), including 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.

    Published: Mon, Oct 2 at 10:09am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Joins division rival

    The Falcons and Onyemata are expected to agree on a three-year, $35 million contract, 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.

    Published: Mon, Mar 13 at 10:12am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Fri, Jan 13 at 4:37pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Sun, Oct 30 at 9:01am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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 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.

    Published: Tue, Oct 26 at 2:33pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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…read more

    Published: Fri, Jul 16 at 10:37am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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…read more

    Published: Fri, Jul 16 at 5:45am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Sun, Jan 31 at 6:55pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Sun, Dec 6 at 8:22pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Two sacks Sunday

    Onyemata produced three tackles (all solo), including two sacks, 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 season high, eclipsing his mark of 4.5 set in 2018. A matchup with Denver in Week 12 offers a chance to add to that total.

    Published: Mon, Nov 23 at 3:11am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Mon, Nov 9 at 2:06pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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 carry plenty of pass-rushing upside into a Week 9 battle against Tampa Bay.

    Published: Mon, Nov 2 at 7:51am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    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.

    Published: Sun, Oct 4 at 6:33pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Thu, Oct 1 at 3:39pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Sun, Sep 27 at 4:33pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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 Onyemata, Marcus Davenport (elbow) and Trey Hendrickson (groin) all questionable for Sunday's game.

    Published: Fri, Sep 25 at 3:14pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Tue, Sep 22 at 4:33pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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, but he likely will assume his same role in the defensive front in the coming campaign.

    Published: Mon, Mar 16 at 3:48pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • 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.

    Published: Wed, Jan 8 at 6:51pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Records sack in win

    Onyemata totaled two tackles (both solo), one sack and a tackle for a loss in the Saints' 34-31 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

    Analysis: Onyemata recorded his third sack of the season in Sunday's win and his first since Week 8. The fourth-year tackle's production hasn't been fruitful for fantasy purposes as he's collected 25 tackles (19 solo) and has yet to force a turnover across 10 games on the season.

    Published: Sun, Nov 24 at 7:35pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
More news and analysis available at NFL.com
2025 Fantasy Stats
  TacklesTurnoverFantasy
WkOppTotSckIntFrc FumFum RecPts
1TB,
L 20-23
-----0.00
2@MIN,
W 22-6
3----4.00
3@CAR,
L 0-30
1----2.50
4WAS,
W 34-27
2----3.00
5Bye-----0.00
6BUF,
W 24-14
31---5.50
7@SF,
L 10-20
1----1.00
8MIA,
L 10-34
1----3.00
9@NE,
L 23-24
2----2.00
10@IND,
L 25-31
4----5.50
11CAR,
L 27-30
2----3.00
12@NO,
W 24-10
2----2.50
13@NYJ,
L 24-27
1----2.50
14SEA,
L 9-37
-----0.00
15@TB,
Thu 5:15 pmGet Tickets
-----0.00
16@ARI,
Sun 1:05 pmGet Tickets
-----0.00
17LAR,
Mon 5:15 pmGet Tickets
-----0.00
18NO,
TBDGet Tickets
-----0.00
NFL Fantasy

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David Onyemata
DL #90 ATL | Manager: FA
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