Atlanta Falcons starting nickel CB Isaiah Oliver out for season with knee injury

Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Atlanta Falcons starting nickel cornerback Isaiah Oliver will miss the remainder of the season because of a significant knee injury.

League sources told ESPN and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday that Oliver will need surgery after he was carted off the field due to an injured knee during Sunday's loss to the Washington Football Team.

Earlier Tuesday, the Falcons placed Oliver on injured reserve.

Oliver, a second-round draft pick in 2018, had transformed into one of the Falcons' top defensive players after shifting from outside corner to the slot in a full-time capacity this year. According to Pro Football Reference, he allowed just 53.3% of passes thrown at him to be completed through four games this season.

The 25-year-old Oliver also had 11 total tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and three passes defensed.

In Oliver's absence, the Falcons are expected to turn to rookie Avery Williams, who was drafted in the fifth round out of Boise State this year.

Also Tuesday, the Falcons placed punter Cam Nizialek on injured reserve with a right hamstring injury. Atlanta promoted punter Dustin Colquitt and defensive lineman Mike Pennel from the practice squad to replace Nizialek and Oliver on the 53-man roster.

The Falcons also signed kicker Elliott Fry and safety Shawn Williams to the practice squad.