Onyemata finished the 2024 season with 45 total tackles (23 solo), including 3.0 sacks, while also adding a pass defensed over 17 games. 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 he'll likely return to his starting role with the team in 2025.
Onyemata recorded four total tackles (two solo), including 1.0 sacks, in Sunday's 17-13 loss to the Chargers. 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.
Onyemata produced two tackles (one solo) during Sunday's 18-10 loss to the Steelers. 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.
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.
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 James Conner (knee) back for Week 10.
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' one-yard line, but they settled for a field goal. Onyemata is enjoying a strong start to his first season in Atlanta, posting 39 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three pass defenses and one forced fumble across nine games, and is currently on pace to reach career-high marks in just about every major defensive statistic.