The Falcons will head into Sunday’s matchup with the Bengals in Madrid without Brian Robinson Jr. again.
Atlanta ruled out the running back for a third straight game because of a hamstring injury, even after he logged limited work in all three practices this week. Robinson was originally listed as questionable, but the team later downgraded him for Week 9. He has 211 rushing yards and four touchdowns in six games this season.
With Robinson unavailable, Khalil Herbert is the likely next man up. Herbert stepped into the lineup over the last two weeks and could be elevated from the practice squad once more. He is eligible for one more practice squad elevation before Atlanta would need to sign him to the 53-man roster.
The Falcons also adjusted their Friday injury report by adding edge rusher James Pearce as a limited participant. Pearce is dealing with a back injury and is now questionable for Sunday. The Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist had just completed his suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, and head coach Kevin Stefanski said he would know more about Pearce in 24-48 hours.
Atlanta would love to have Pearce available against a Bengals offense that has been rolling behind Joe Burrow. Cincinnati’s defense has also improved, which only raises the pressure on the Falcons to hold up better around Michael Penix Jr.
That starts with Penix himself, who needs to clean up the ball security after a four-turnover performance in Week 8. More than anything, Atlanta needs a sharper all-around showing if it wants to keep pace on Sunday.
Here’s the final Week 9 injury picture for both teams:
Falcons injury report: Friday updates/game designations
Bengals injury report: Friday updates/game designations
S Kyle Dugger (quad): DNP/OUT
DE Cedric Johnson (ankle): FP/QUEST.
DT Jonathan Allen (rest): LP
CB DJ Turner (heel): FP
S Jordan Battle (hamstring): FP
DT Dexter Lawrence (rest): DNP
DT B.J. Hill (rest): DNP
In Other News...
Falcons Face A Brutal Week 9 Test After Their Latest Offensive Letdown
Week 9 brings a strange and significant stage for Atlanta, with the Falcons headed into a matchup that could have real playoff weight attached to it as the trade deadline creeps closer on Nov. 10. The weeks slate is loaded with intrigue across the league, but this one stands out for the Falcons because it comes right after another offensive letdown, leaving plenty of attention on how quickly they can steady themselves against a Cincinnati team that has been humming along.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals arrive with momentum after a huge performance, while Atlanta is trying to put last weeks turnover-filled outing behind it and avoid letting one rough stretch define the first half of the season. With several other contenders and trade chatter swirling around the league, this is the kind of game that can sharpen the picture for both teams fast, and the Falcons need a cleaner showing if they want to keep their place in the NFC race. [Read more 🡒]
Michael Penix Jr. Gets One Immediate Chance To Silence Falcons Doubts
Michael Penix Jr. got a harsh introduction to the kind of defensive game-planning that can speed up a young quarterbacks learning curve. Against Tampa Bay, Todd Bowles defense kept pressure on him and mixed in zone looks that disrupted his timing and decision-making, turning a difficult afternoon into one the Falcons would rather leave behind as quickly as possible.
Now comes a different kind of test, and potentially a cleaner chance for Penix to reset the conversation around his play. Cincinnati does not present the same blitz-heavy challenge Tampa Bay did, and the matchup should give Atlanta a better read on how Penix handles a defense built more around man coverage than constant pressure, which is the sort of look that can tell a lot about where his comfort level really is. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Put James Pearce Jr. In A Role Fans Have Wanted
James Pearce Jr. is finally lined up for the kind of role Falcons fans have been waiting to see. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said the rookie defensive end is expected to start as a primary pass-rush piece, a sign Atlanta is ready to lean into the skill set that made him such an intriguing addition in the first place. It is the latest step in a defense that has been sorting out how best to deploy its front while keeping the bigger picture in mind.
The setup still comes with some caution, though, as the Falcons try to balance impact with conditioning and workload. Ulbrich has been working through the details of how Pearce fits into the rotation, and the team seems intent on making the move count rather than simply forcing snaps. For a pass rush that needs more juice, the opportunity is there now, and the next question is how quickly Pearce can turn it into production. [Read more 🡒]