The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have placed linebacker Sean Weatherspoon on injured reserve-designated to return.

Weatherspoon, 6-2, 244 pounds, was selected by the Falcons in the first round (19th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Missouri. He has complied 306 tackles (218 solo) with eight sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and 13 passes defensed in three-plus seasons in Atlanta. Weatherspoon tallied 13 tackles (10 solo) in two games this season.