The Falcons are bracing for a major shift in the secondary after placing cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. on injured reserve because of the groin injury he suffered against the Carolina Panthers.
Terrell’s day went sideways in the first quarter of Sunday’s loss. He left the game, was checked for a concussion after the play and cleared the testing, but the groin issue ended up keeping him out for the rest of the afternoon. Now Atlanta will be without him for at least the next four games.
That leaves a big opening on the outside, and C.J. Henderson looks like the likeliest answer. Henderson has already been working in a bigger role this season, including lining up opposite Mike Hughes in the first two games.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich sounded comfortable with that direction when he spoke to reporters Tuesday. He described Terrell as the “best boundary corner in NFL,” but said the Falcons aren’t approaching the loss with panic.
“I don’t feel any angst,” Ulbrich said about turning to Henderson.
Atlanta will need that confidence to hold. Terrell is one of the defense’s most experienced pieces, and losing him could force the Falcons to alter how they use their secondary. Opponents may be more willing to challenge the replacement on the outside, which could put added pressure on the rest of the back end.
The Falcons also made a move on the defensive line Tuesday, promoting Zach Harrison from the practice squad to the active roster. Harrison came to Atlanta after being waived during roster cuts at the end of August. The former Ohio State standout was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, spent his rookie season in Chicago and then continued his career with the Falcons.
Atlanta added another roster piece on offense as well, releasing rookie center James Brockermeyer from the practice squad and signing offensive tackle Colby Sorsdal. Sorsdal was selected by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of William & Mary and has played both tackle spots, giving the Falcons another depth option up front.
The biggest hit, though, is clearly Terrell’s absence. For Atlanta, the immediate task is replacing its top boundary corner and keeping the secondary steady while Henderson and the rest of the defense absorb the load.
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