Category: Latest Falcons News

Atlanta Falcons sign former 7th-round pick to practice squad

Falcons sign former seventh-round pick Jovaughn Gwyn to 16-man practice squad

The Falcons have signed former seventh-round pick Jovaughn Gwyn to their 16-man practice squad, the team announced on Saturday afternoon. Atlanta selected Gwyn with pick No. 225 in the 2023 NFL draft out of South Carolina.

The 25-year-old returns to Atlanta one day after being released from the 53-man roster. The Falcons signed outside linebacker Demone Harris to the roster in a corresponding move on Thursday.

The team also elevated two players from the practice squad — kicker Riley Patterson and linebacker Josh Woods — ahead of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Despite losing to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night, the Chargers are slight favorites over the Falcons entering Week 13. Atlanta has dropped two straight games, including a 32-point loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 11.

Sunday’s game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET in Atlanta. Check out the team’s latest depth chart, injury report and 53-man roster entering Week 13.

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Falcons elevate kicker from practice squad ahead of Chargers game

Falcons elevate two players from practice squad, including kicker Riley Patterson, ahead of Week 13 game vs. Chargers

The Atlanta Falcons have announced two practice squad elevations ahead of their Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. According to team reporter Terrin Waack, the Falcons will elevate kicker Riley Patterson and linebacker Josh Woods to the 53-man roster.

Patterson was signed earlier this week once Younghoe Koo was added to the injury report. Koo is battling a hip injury and was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in Atlanta.

While this may be a precautionary move, Koo’s status is worth keeping an eye on Sunday morning. Patterson has converted on 59 of 67 career field goal attempts and 96 out of 100 extra points attempts.

Woods has played in one other game for the Falcons this season. The 28-year-old has appeared in 66 games since entering the league in 2019, recording 122 tackles (76 solo), three QB hits, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

The Falcons also signed former seventh-round pick Jovaughn Gwyn to the practice squad one day after releasing him from the 53-man roster.

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Falcons offensive lineman is NFL’s highest-graded run blocker

Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom is the NFL’s highest-graded run-blocker entering Week 13

While the Atlanta Falcons have all the makings of a high-powered offense, it’s been a few weeks since we’ve seen this group operate at a high level. In Week 11, the team was held without an offensive touchdown and rushed for just 50 yards on 2.4 yards per attempt.

The Falcons must get their ground game back on track for this offense to reach its full potential. To do this, they should try running behind right guard Chris Lindstrom. The two-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman is one of the best run-blockers in the league and has the grades to prove it.

Lindstrom’s run-blocking grade of 93.4 is the highest in the NFL this season, according to Pro Football Focus. The former first-round pick’s ability to open up holes helped him become one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the league.

Lindstrom still has some room for improvement when it comes to pass protection. With a pass-blocking grade of 61.6, he trails left tackle Jake Matthews, left guard Matthew Bergeron and center Ryan Neuzil this season.

The Falcons are averaging 117.9 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 14th out of 32 NFL teams. That’s one spot ahead of this week’s opponent — the Los Angeles Chargers.

Atlanta will host Los Angeles this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Check out the team’s latest injury report, depth chart and 53-man roster entering Week 13.

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Falcons sign linebacker to roster, release former 7th-round pick

Falcons sign outside linebacker to roster, release former seventh-round pick

The Atlanta Falcons are still trying to find ways to improve their pass rush as they begin the final six-game stretch of the season. On Friday, the team signed outside linebacker Demone Harris off the 16-man practice squad.

Harris was elevated from the practice squad three times and now officially joins the team’s 53-man roster ahead of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 28-year-old has logged 97 defensive snaps this season, recording three tackles (one solo) and one pressure.

The Falcons had an open roster spot after releasing former seventh-round pick Jovaughn Gwyn from the roster on Thursday. The team selected Gwyn with pick No. 225 in the 2023 NFL draft out of South Carolina.

The 25-year-old appeared in two games for Atlanta over the last two seasons but never recorded an offensive snap as he played primarily on special teams.

Atlanta also made a few practice squad transactions on Friday, signing kicker Riley Patterson and releasing safety Dane Cruikshank. Patterson can provide insurance with Younghoe Koo listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chargers.

Check out the team’s updated 53-man roster and practice squad entering Week 13. Sunday’s game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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Falcons injury report: Younghoe Koo questionable vs. Chargers

Falcons injury report: Week 13 designations revealed for Younghoe Koo, Darnell Mooney and Drake London

The Atlanta Falcons have released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney are expected to play while kicker Younghoe Koo has been listed as questionable.

With Koo battling a hip injury, the team signed kicker Riley Patterson to the practice squad in a precautionary move. London (hip) was a full participant at Friday’s practice and Mooney (Achilles) was given a rest day.

The team ruled out cornerback Mike Hughes due to a neck injury and running back Jase McClellan (knee) for Sunday’s game in Atlanta. Check out the team’s full Friday injury report with game designations below.

Atlanta Falcons Week 13 injury report

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
Darnell Mooney Achilles./Rest LP FP DNP    —
Matthew Judon Rest LP   —   —    —
Dee Alford Hamstring LP FP FP    —
Mike Hughes Neck LP LP FP OUT
Clark Phillips III Personal LP   —  —    —
Kevin King Concussion LP FP FP    —
JD Bertrand Concussion LP FP FP    —
Troy Andersen Knee LP FP FP    —
Nate Landman Hamstring LP LP FP    —
Casey Washington Concussion LP FP FP    —
Charlie Woerner Concussion LP FP FP    —
Zach Harrison Knee/Achilles LP LP FP    —
KhaDarel Hodge Neck DNP LP FP    —
Antonio Hamilton Pectoral FP LP FP    —
Drake London Hip  — LP FP    —
Chris Lindstrom Knee  — LP FP    —
Younghoe Koo Hip  — LP FP QUEST
Jase McClellan Knee  — LP DNP OUT

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Falcons provide injury updates on Drake London, Darnell Mooney

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris provides injury updates on Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Mike Hughes

The Atlanta Falcons had an extra week to rest before their upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, but you wouldn’t know it looking at the injury report.

While several key players have been limited in practice this week, head coach Raheem Morris gave reporters some positive updates on wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney ahead of Sunday’s game in Atlanta.

Morris said London and Mooney are good to go for Week 13 while cornerback Mike Hughes is unlikely to play, per ESPN’s Marc Raimondi.

A handful of other players are battling injuries but we’ll have to wait until Friday’s official injury report is released to learn more. Kicker Younghoe Koo, guard Chris Lindstrom and defensive lineman Zach Harrison were each limited during Thursday’s practice.

Sunday’s game against the Chargers begins at 1 p.m. ET inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Check out the team’s updated 53-man roster and practice squad entering Week 13.

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Falcons sign kicker to practice squad, release safety ahead of Week 13

Falcons sign kicker Riley Patterson to the practice squad, release safety Dane Cruikshank

The Atlanta Falcons made a few changes to their practice squad on Friday, signing kicker Riley Patterson and releasing safety Dane Cruikshank in a corresponding transaction.

This signing could be a precautionary move as Younghoe Koo was listed on the team’s Thursday injury report. With Koo battling a hip injury in his kicking leg, Patterson gives the team a legitimate backup if he can’t play in Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Patterson, 25, has appeared in 40 career games for four different teams. After spending his first two seasons in Detroit, he moved on to Jacksonville in 2022 before returning to the Lions in 2023.

After a quick stop in Cleveland, Patterson briefly landed with the New York Jets in 2024, playing in one game.

Cruikshank has spent the season on Atlanta’s practice squad. The veteran safety was elevated to the 53-man roster for the team’s Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos. Cruikshank’s release is a sign that the Falcons are getting healthier in the secondary.

Check out the team’s updated 53-man roster and practice squad entering Week 13.

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Four players we want to see more of after the Falcons’ bye week

4 Falcons players we want to see more of over the final six games of the season

The Atlanta Falcons are coming off their bye with a 6-5 record and an effective two-game lead in the division race. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are just one game back in the NFC South standings, the Falcons hold the tiebreaker due to sweeping the season series.

Despite leading the division, this team still has its share of issues. Atlanta’s defense has been unable to pressure opposing quarterbacks and the offense has struggled to protect Kirk Cousins. Fixing these two issues will be critical if the Falcons intend to secure a playoff berth this season.

Here are four players we want to see more of over the final six games.

1. EDGE Arnold Ebiketie

Ebiketie was selected early in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft, but he still hasn’t produced at the level many expected. Most of the issues that were present when he was drafted still exist. Ebiketie has 24 tackles (16 solo), one sack and seven QB hits this season. The former Penn State standout needs to step up if the Falcons are going to end their six-year playoff drought.

2. LT Jake Matthews

Jake Matthews is an important part of this Falcons offense and has been since he entered the league. The veteran left tackle is rightfully held to a higher standard than some of his teammates. Matthews, along with the rest of the offensive line, has to do a better job of protecting the quarterback. While the offense has been explosive at times, poor pass protection continues to hold this unit back.

3. EDGE Matthew Judon

Similar to Ebiketie, Matthew Judon has not been consistent enough for Atlanta this season. Despite being tied for the team lead with 2.5 sacks, Judon has the worst pass-rush win rate on the team and is the only player below 10 percent. The Falcons were praised for acquiring the veteran edge rusher back in August but their pass-rushing problems have persisted. Judon will need to step up over the final six games or it’s unlikely he’ll be back in Atlanta next season.

4. QB Michael Penix Jr.

Cousins isn’t going anywhere this season, but we should still see more of Michael Penix Jr. down the stretch. The rookie would benefit from getting extra live reps, even if they come in garbage time. If Atlanta can secure the division before the season finale against the Carolina Panthers, perhaps Penix could get the start in Week 18.

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Falcons injury report: Latest updates on Drake London, Darnell Mooney

Falcons injury report: Latest updates on Drake London, Darnell Mooney heading into Week 13 game vs. Chargers

The Atlanta Falcons added wide receiver Drake London to their Week 13 injury report following Thursday’s practice. While London was limited due to a hip injury, Darnell Mooney (Achilles) was a full participant.

Kicker Younghoe Koo was also limited on Thursday due to a hip injury. Several key players returned, including cornerback Dee Alford, tight end Charlie Woerner (concussion) and linebacker Troy Andersen (knee).

Atlanta Falcons Week 13 injury report

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
Darnell Mooney Achilles./Rest LP FP DNP
Matthew Judon Rest LP   —   —
Dee Alford Hamstring LP FP FP
Mike Hughes Neck LP LP FP OUT
Clark Phillips III Personal LP   —  —
Kevin King Concussion LP FP FP
JD Bertrand Concussion LP FP FP
Troy Andersen Knee LP FP FP
Nate Landman Hamstring LP LP FP
Casey Washington Concussion LP FP FP
Charlie Woerner Concussion LP FP FP
Zach Harrison Knee/Achilles LP LP FP
KhaDarel Hodge Neck DNP LP FP
Antonio Hamilton Pectoral FP LP FP
Drake London Hip  — LP FP
Chris Lindstrom Knee  — LP FP
Younghoe Koo Hip  — LP FP QUEST
Jase McClellan Knee  — LP DNP OUT

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Falcons injury report: WR Darnell Mooney limited to begin Week 13

Falcons injury report: Latest updates on Darnell Mooney, Matthew Judon and 12 others

It’s been a long and slow bye week for the Atlanta Falcons, but they returned to practice on Wednesday to begin preparation for this weekend’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The team listed 14 players on its first Week 13 injury report, including wide receiver Darnell Mooney and linebacker Matthew Judon. Mooney is battling an Achilles injury and was one of 12 players limited.

Cornerback Mike Hughes (neck) and defensive lineman Zach Harrison (knee/achilles) were limited on Wednesday while wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge sat out due to a neck injury.

Atlanta Falcons Week 13 injury report

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
Darnell Mooney Achilles LP
Matthew Judon Rest LP
Dee Alford Hamstring LP
Mike Hughes Neck LP
Clark Phillips III Personal LP
Kevin King Concussion LP
JD Bertrand Concussion LP
Troy Andersen Knee LP
Nate Landman Hamstring LP
Casey Washington Concussion LP
Charlie Woerner Concussion LP
Zach Harrison Knee/Achilles LP
KhaDarel Hodge Neck DNP
Antonio Hamilton Pectoral FP

Darnell Mooney injury update:

Mooney played in Week 11 but exited the game early due to a hamstring injury. The veteran wideout was limited at Wednesday’s practice with an Achilles injury. Head coach Raheem Morris sounded optimistic about Mooney playing on Sunday.

Mike Hughes injury update:

Hughes was one of three cornerbacks to miss Atlanta’s Week 11 matchup against Denver. He was limited at Wednesday’s practice due to a neck injury. If Hughes is forced to miss Week 13, it could be another rough day for the Falcons’ secondary.

Matthew Judon injury update:

Judon was limited on Wednesday for rest. The veteran linebacker is tied for the team lead with 2.5 sacks. Head coach Raheem Morris said the team wants to see more out of Judon over the final six weeks.

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