FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Falcons placed defensive end Derrick Shelby on injured reserve due to a groin injury Wednesday, making him the seventh significant contributor to go on IR this season for Atlanta.

Shelby, who has started three games for the Falcons in 2018, missed time earlier this season due to his groin. Shelby will be the fourth defensive starter to go in injured reserve this year, joining Keanu Neal, Ricardo Allen and Deion Jones, who was activated off of IR prior to the Cowboys game but has yet to play in a game.

In a corresponding move, the Falcons promoted defensive back Ryan Neal to the active roster. Neal, 23, was initially brought in by the Falcons during the preseason, and he has spent the duration of the season on Atlanta's practice squad.