The Falcons are handing rookie cornerback Avieon Terrell a big job Sunday against the Chicago Bears, and the timing couldn’t be more important for an Atlanta secondary dealing with absences.
With C.J. Henderson out because of a groin injury, Terrell is expected to move into the starting lineup and get a real chance to show what he can do at the NFL level.
Atlanta is also still waiting on A.J. Terrell, who remains on injured reserve for at least this week, leaving the defense without one of its most established cornerbacks.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich pointed to the team’s depth as the reason Atlanta can absorb the loss.
“That's where we're fortunate to have depth in our corner room like we do," defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. Mike Hughes is a top end starter in this league.
Avieon [Terrell]’s emerging. We're fortunate that we have that depth.
Billy [Bowman Jr.]’s had the ability to play that a little bit at times here and there in spots. Mike Ford has the ability to play a little bit of corner.
So we've got candidates. We've got guys that can get it done outside and bring confidence in whoever goes out there."
The rookie has given Atlanta reasons to trust him already. In 100 coverage snaps this season, Terrell has allowed five catches for 39 yards, a strong sign that he can hold up when the ball comes his way.
That matters now because the Falcons are trying to bounce back from their Week 5 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, and Chicago will test Atlanta’s passing defense in a new way. Terrell’s role is likely to be front and center in that effort.
Atlanta took Terrell in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting him 48th overall after his run at Clemson. He arrived with a reputation as a versatile defensive back, one who could cover, play physically, and chip in against the run.
His final season at Clemson backed that up. Terrell finished with nine passes defended and five forced fumbles, numbers that helped sell Atlanta on his upside as a future piece in the secondary.
Sunday also carries a family wrinkle. Avieon is the younger brother of A.J.
Terrell, who has been a fixture in the Falcons’ defense since Atlanta picked him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. With A.J. sidelined, the brothers won’t get their chance to line up together in Atlanta’s secondary just yet.
For Avieon, though, the stage is set. A starting opportunity against Chicago gives him a shot to carve out his own place and show why the Falcons used a second-round pick on him in the first place.
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