The Falcons got a few encouraging signs on Monday as they try to steady things after an offseason full of uncertainty. Rookie cornerback Avieon Terrell was back on the field, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was officially back in 11-on-11 work, and newly signed edge rusher Za’Darius Smith finally made his practice debut.
Terrell still isn’t taking part in team drills, but his return to the field marked another step forward. Smith’s first appearance was a little more limited. He worked only in individual drills as he continues through his acclimation period, according to team reporter Tori McElhaney.
"Newly signed edge rusher Za'Darius Smith participated in individual drills and was present with a helmet, but he has not taken any team reps yet as he continues his acclimation period."
Smith was added to help offset the losses of Falcons edge rushers Jalon Walker, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear, and James Pearce Jr., who is serving an eight-game suspension. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has already pointed to the veteran’s physical style and versatility as big reasons for the move.
"Za'Darius brings physicality," Stefanski said on Wednesday. "Obviously, he's somebody that I've been with so I have a comfort level with. Za'Darius the person and Za'Darius the player certainly brings an element of, you know, veteran pass rusher, but a guy who can play on all downs."
Atlanta still has two practices left before Friday’s preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins. That leaves time to see whether Tua Tagovailoa gets the start against his former team or whether Penix makes his preseason debut. The team’s depth chart is expected Tuesday afternoon.
In Other News...
Falcons Quarterback Questions Just Pulled Them Into A Trade Rumor
Anthony Richardsons status in Indianapolis has become one of the more closely watched quarterback storylines of the preseason, and it is the kind that naturally sends ripples through the league. Drafted fourth overall in 2023, Richardson has flashed enough talent to keep the Colts invested, but his uneven preseason has left the team weighing its options as final roster cuts approach.
Richardson had asked for a trade earlier this offseason, though no deal materialized, and the Colts still appear inclined to keep three quarterbacks on the roster. With head coach Shane Steichen announcing that Richardson will start the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, he gets one more chance to strengthen his case and quiet the uncertainty that has surrounded him. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Pass Rush Suddenly Has An Unexpected Player To Watch
Keshawn Banks has turned the Falcons preseason into a legitimate audition, and it comes at a time when Atlanta could use any hint of help up front. The 2023 undrafted free agent has been active in the pass rush, stacking up quarterback hits and hurries while drawing strong marks from Pro Football Focus, where he has led the team in pass-rush grades during exhibition play.
For a defense dealing with a depleted pass-rush picture because of injuries and suspensions, that kind of emergence is impossible to ignore. Banks has gone from an overlooked name to a player worth tracking as roster decisions loom, and his preseason work is at least putting him in the conversation for a role on the Falcons defensive line this season. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Suddenly Make Sense In One Bears Trade Scenario
The Bears reported trade talks involving defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. have quickly created a little intrigue around the league, and Atlanta is one of the teams that fits cleanly into the conversation. Dexter is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which gives Chicago a decision to make, and the Falcons stand out because these kinds of moves often follow familiar coaching and front-office ties as much as pure roster need.
From Atlantas perspective, the connection is easy to see, even if nothing is imminent. The Falcons have been mentioned among several possible destinations, alongside the 49ers, Titans, Giants and Eagles, and that keeps this from feeling like a random name being floated for clicks. Whether Chicago actually moves Dexter will determine how far the interest goes, but the fit is enough to make the speculation feel a lot more grounded than most early-season trade chatter. [Read more 🡒]