The Atlanta Falcons are down to their final preseason tune-up, and the team’s unofficial depth chart is starting to tell a clearer story with Friday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins looming.
The biggest shift came under center. Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared for full contact, and that change removed the asterisk that had kept him buried on the depth chart.
He’s now listed as a co-starter with Tua Tagovailoa, with the quarterback spot marked as Michael Penix Jr. “OR” Tua Tagovailoa.
Penix still won’t play Friday, but his return has clearly reshaped the quarterback picture.
Another notable development is where Za’Darius Smith sits. The Falcons brought him out of retirement after the Jalon Walker injury and the James Pearce Jr. suspension, but he’s still working through the early stages of his adjustment. Smith has not yet taken part in team periods, and on the depth chart he remains a third-string edge rusher behind Brandon Dorlus and Samson Ebukam.
On special teams, Zachariah Branch keeps climbing. The third-round rookie has been listed behind Olamide Zaccheus in the receiver rotation all offseason, but his real movement is showing as a return man.
He was listed as the primary punt returner for the third straight week, which all but locks in that role. Even so, the preseason results have been limited: he has fielded only two punts, and neither one stood out for the right reasons.
Jack Strand’s preseason surge hasn’t translated to the chart yet. After throwing for 215 yards and accounting for two scores in a little more than a half during the Falcons’ 34-6 win over the Indianapolis Colts, the undrafted rookie still hasn’t moved up. He was listed behind Cooper Rush for the third straight week, and with Penix now back in the mix, Strand is technically sitting as Atlanta’s fourth-string quarterback.
At linebacker, Christian Harris is still hanging onto a starting spot, at least for the moment. Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. have generated plenty of buzz, and Daniels has been getting more first-team work lately, but Harris remains listed as the second first-team linebacker opposite Divine Deablo.
He barely played in Saturday’s victory after being disciplined for throwing a punch in joint practice, yet he still showed well in his limited action. The rookie push is real, though, and this spot could change fast.
In Other News...
Falcons Face A Tempting Trade Decision They May Need To Resist
The Bears have put defensive tackle Gervon Dexter into the trade conversation, and that alone is enough to catch the Falcons attention. Jordan Schultz reported Chicago has had multiple discussions about moving the 24-year-old, who started all 17 games last season and flashed real pass-rushing ability while also showing why some teams remain hesitant about his run defense.
For Atlanta, the appeal is obvious enough to understand, especially with general manager Ian Cunninghams ties to Dexter. But the Falcons already have to weigh their interior depth and the long-term money attached to the position, which is why this feels like the kind of move that can look smart on paper and still be the wrong fit in practice. [Read more 🡒]
Cash Jones Just Made Falcons Final Cuts A Lot Tougher
Cash Jones kept adding reasons for the Falcons to notice him in Week 2 of the preseason, showing the kind of all-around utility that can matter when roster decisions get tight. The undrafted running back not only led Atlanta in catches, but also chipped in as a runner, found the end zone and handled a kick return, a workload that put his name squarely into the conversation as the team starts sorting out the bottom of the roster.
Atlanta is projected to carry three running backs and five wide receivers, which leaves little margin for players fighting to stand out in multiple roles. Jones mix of receiving ability, backfield production and special teams value gives him a real case as the Falcons continue trimming toward the final 53, especially with a few other contenders vying for the same few spots. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons QB Buzz Just Hit A Reality Check At Camp
Jack Strand has been one of the more interesting names in Falcons camp, carving out a role as an undrafted rookie while the quarterback picture has been clouded by absences and uneven play. With Michael Penix Jr. sidelined for stretches and Tua Tagovailoa struggling, Strand has picked up valuable reps and put himself in the conversation as a developmental arm worth watching.
Kevin Stefanski has already made it clear, though, that Strand is not part of the current starting quarterback plan, even if his practice workload will continue. Atlanta still appears to be leaning toward Penix for the Week 1 job, which leaves Strand in a different kind of spotlight: not as the immediate answer, but as a young quarterback trying to turn a strong camp into a longer look. [Read more 🡒]