FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - The Falcons got a welcome sight Thursday: A.J. Terrell was back on the practice field.
Terrell, who missed Wednesday’s session with a shoulder injury, was a full participant and is working toward being ready for Sunday’s matchup with Carolina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The cornerback originally hurt the shoulder while covering DK Metcalf in Atlanta’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, though he was able to return to that game.
His availability matters more now because the Panthers arrive with a passing game that flashed big-play ability in Week 1. Carolina put up 37 points against Chicago, with Bryce Young going 23 of 37 for 361 yards and three touchdowns. Jalen Coker was a major factor, catching eight passes for 138 yards, while Tetairoa McMillan added five receptions for 75 yards in his second NFL season.
Terrell said the Falcons have already seen enough on film to know this won’t be a casual assignment.
“Just watching tape, you know what I’m saying? They did come off a big game, high-scoring game,” Terrell said. “So just making sure we hone in on the details and things like that so we can play fast.”
Young’s growth has also stood out to him. Terrell said the Carolina quarterback looks increasingly comfortable with the offense and its receivers.
“Bryce, too, good quarterback,” Terrell said. “You know, of course, as the year is going, you just start to settle in. I feel like that’s what he’s doing, finding his groove.”
Coker, in particular, caught Terrell’s attention after a strong opener.
“Solid, you know, he had a good game last week,” Terrell said. “Just a young guy just, you know, I see just making plays, getting his chances at the ball and making the most of it.”
“So just gotta watch him and just go out there and handle business.”
Terrell also pointed to Carolina’s setup under Dave Canales, saying the system appears to be helping Young settle into what he does best. He described the quarterback-coach relationship as a trust-building process.
“I’m just building trust,” Terrell said. “I just feel like that’s, you know, what coaches and quarterbacks, you just want to build their trust and just allowing them to go out there and play.”
That means Atlanta’s defense will have to stay disciplined against Young both in and out of the pocket while also limiting how effectively the Panthers can feed their playmakers.
“Playing his abilities, his strength inside the pocket, outside the pocket, and using his weapons the right way,” Terrell said.
Terrell said he has been in the training room and continuing treatment as he works back toward full strength.
“Been working hard in the training room and stuff like that to get out there, so I’m totally getting my feet down,” Terrell said.
The Falcons will release their final injury designations Friday. For now, Terrell’s return gives Atlanta a boost as it prepares for a Carolina offense that left Week 1 with plenty of confidence.
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