The Falcons are heading into their Week 9 matchup in Madrid with a depth chart that already looks different from the one they carried into the week.
Atlanta released edge rushers Drake Jackson and Jared Ivey from the 53-man roster, then signed both back to the practice squad. The bigger hit came when the team placed Samson Ebukam on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Ebukam has been a steady source of pressure, ranking second on the team with 2.5 sacks, so his absence changes the look of this front in a hurry.
There is at least one notable return on the edge. James Pearce Jr. is back after serving an eight-game suspension, and he led the team with 10.5 sacks last season.
But his status is now up in the air after a back injury in Friday’s practice left him downgraded to questionable for Sunday. The team will have to wait until Sunday morning to find out whether he is available against Cincinnati.
Atlanta also ruled out wide receiver Zachariah Branch and running back Brian Robinson Jr. for Week 9. Olamide Zaccheaus is expected to handle Branch’s return duties, while practice squad running back Khalil Herbert is expected to be elevated for the game.
With those changes in mind, the Falcons’ projected offense still starts with Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback, Bijan Robinson at running back, and Drake London, Jahan Dotson and Kyle Pitts as key targets. Olamide Zaccheaus is slotted at slot receiver, while Chris Blair appears behind London on the outside. At tight end, Austin Hooper backs up Pitts, with Charlie Woerner and Nick Muse listed behind him.
Up front, Atlanta’s projected line has Jake Matthews at left tackle, Matthew Bergeron at left guard, Ryan Neuzil at center, Chris Lindstrom at right guard and Jawaan Taylor at right tackle. Michael Jerrell, Kyle Hinton, Corey Levin and Ethan Onianwa are the listed backups.
The defensive picture is where the injury and roster movement really show up. Brandon Dorlus and Charles Snowden are projected at defensive end, with Maason Smith and Gervon Dexter on the defensive line, and LaCale London and Da’Shawn Hand filling the next wave of snaps. Cameron Thomas is listed at one end spot, with Za’Darius Smith and James Pearce Jr. in the mix behind him if Pearce is cleared.
At linebacker, Divine Deablo and Kendal Daniels headline the group, with Christian Harris, Josh Woods, and Harold Perkins Jr. in support. The secondary features A.J.
Terrell and C.J. Henderson at corner, Mike Hughes and Mike Ford on the other side, and Avieon Terrell at CB3/nickel with Billy Bowman Jr. behind him.
Jessie Bates III and Xavier Watts anchor the safety spots, with DeMarcco Hellams and Sydney Brown next up.
Special teams remain set with Liam McCullough at long snapper, Nick Folk at kicker and Jake Bailey at punter. Zaccheaus is projected to handle both kick and punt returns.
Sunday’s game kicks off at 9:30 a.m. ET.
In Other News...
Falcons Backfield Takes A Hit Right Before Bengals Matchup
The Falcons backfield depth took a hit just as they turn the page toward a Week 9 meeting with the Bengals in Spain. Brian Robinson Jr. has been placed on injured reserve because of a lower-body injury, leaving Atlanta to navigate at least the next four weeks without one of its running backs as the team prepares for the second regular-season NFL game ever played in Spain.
Atlanta moved quickly to fill the spot, signing Khalil Herbert from the practice squad to give the roster another option behind the remaining backs. It is the kind of adjustment that can matter even more on a trip like this, where the Falcons are already dealing with the usual travel and preparation challenges before facing Cincinnati on an international stage. [Read more 🡒]
Drake London Adds To Falcons Frustration After Costly Tampa Mistake
The Falcons are trying to move past a frustrating shutout against Tampa Bay, but Drake Londons day against the Buccaneers still carried an extra sting. London finished with one catch for 8 yards in the 16-0 loss, a quiet outing in a game Atlanta could ill afford to waste as it continued searching for answers on offense.
Now the focus shifts to Madrid, where the Falcons are set to face the Cincinnati Bengals, and London has already pointed to the teams work to clean things up after the defeat. Even with the next trip on the schedule, the aftermath from Tampa lingers a little longer thanks to the leagues latest discipline, another reminder of how costly that afternoon was for Atlanta. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Should Avoid This Trade Deadline Temptation
With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the Falcons are being linked to a tempting name at wide receiver, and the idea makes some sense on the surface. Atlanta has already committed significant money to its core, which makes any big swing harder to justify, and the front office has to balance urgency with the reality of its draft capital and salary cap.
ESPNs Dan Graziano floated the possibility of the receiver being available, but there are enough reasons for Atlanta to stay cautious. The fit comes with questions beyond the on-field talent, including concerns about character and the kind of premium price a trade would demand, which is why this looks more like a rumor worth monitoring than a move the Falcons are likely to make. [Read more 🡒]