The Falcons may be getting a timely lift in the backfield before they face the Bengals in Madrid.
Brian Robinson Jr., who has missed the past few weeks with a hamstring injury, was limited in practice, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter. That’s an encouraging sign for Atlanta after a rough offensive showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions and the run game never really got going.
“Falcons injury report. RB Brian Robinson Jr. was limited,” Ledbetter wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Atlanta has leaned on the ground game as a priority, and getting Robinson back would be a major help there. Bijan Robinson didn’t give the Falcons the production they needed last week, and the absence of Brian Robinson Jr. has only made the job tougher.
There’s still some uncertainty with rookie Zachariah Branch, who did not practice because of a hamstring injury. His status will be worth watching if he can’t get on the field again tomorrow, because that would put his availability for game day in doubt.
On the other side of the ball, the Falcons are set to welcome James Pearce Jr. back after he completed his eight-game suspension. His return should give Atlanta’s pass rush a boost against Joe Burrow. Billy Bowman Jr. also took part in practice as a full participant after dealing with a hamstring injury.
With players starting to return, Atlanta appears to be getting healthier at the right time as it tries to stay in the mix of the NFC South.
In Other News...
Falcons Suddenly Have A Backfield Problem Before Bengals Showdown
The Falcons backfield picture remains unsettled heading into their matchup with the Bengals, with Brian Robinson Jr. sidelined again as he continues to work through a hamstring injury. His absence leaves Atlanta short on a runner it had hoped to lean on, and the team is preparing to dip back into the practice squad for help as it tries to keep the offense on schedule.
Khalil Herbert is expected to be elevated to help fill that role, giving Atlanta another option as it sorts through its running back rotation. There is also some uncertainty on the defensive side, where edge rusher James Pearce was limited in practice and is listed as questionable, adding another layer of concern before a game that already carries some roster stress. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Face A Brutal Week 9 Test After Their Latest Offensive Letdown
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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 🡒]