Sean Weatherspoon, the Falcons hard-hitting third-year LB, has been ruled out of their game with the Cowboys on Sunday due to an ankle injury he suffered in the fourth quarter of their victory over the Eagles last week.

The 6'2 244 LB had started the first seven games of the season, with 52 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 pass deflections and 1 forced fumble so far in 2012.

The Falcons, whose run defense is ranked 26th in the NFL this year, will likely turn to second-year LB Akeem Dent. The good news for Atlanta is that Dallas has struggled to run the ball, especially without star RB DeMarco Murray, who is unlikely to play on Sunday.

For more on their game with the Cowboys, check out the fine work done by the SB Nation preview team.

Weatherspoon, the Falcons first-round pick in 2010 out of Missouri, took over as a full-time starter in 2011 and has displayed the same nose for the football that he had in college, where he was a three-time All-Conference selection.

This article originally appeared on SB Nation.