Falcons’ playoff fate rests in hands of Saints rookie QB

The Falcons’ playoff hopes are in the hands of Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler…

After losing to the Washington Commanders in overtime last Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons need some help to get into the playoffs. Not only must they defeat the Carolina Panthers in Week 18, but the Falcons must swallow their pride and root for the New Orleans Saints.

The NFC South-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold a one-game lead in the division but the Saints have a chance to play spoiler in Sunday’s season finale. New Orleans could help send Atlanta to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Since the Saints have ruled out quarterback Derek Carr, the Falcons’ playoff hopes are in the hands of Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler. 

The fifth-round pick was the odd man out in this year’s draft class, which featured six quarterbacks selected in the first 12 picks. Rattler has appeared in six games this season, passing for 1,077 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions.

The fact that Rattler is getting the start isn’t a major surprise since the Saints have nothing to play for. However, New Orleans may view this game as a chance to set the tone for next season — as the Detroit Lions did in their 2022 season finale against the Green Bay Packers.

The Falcons won’t be headed anywhere if they can’t beat the Panthers, who will also be looking to end the season on a high note. Both NFC South matchups kick off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

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Falcons vs Panthers: Latest injury report, updates for Week 18

Falcons vs Panthers: Latest injury report, updates from Wednesday’s practice

The Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers have released their first injury reports ahead of Sunday’s divisional clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Falcons listed six players, including linebacker Lorenzo Carter (oblique) and rookie JD Bertrand (eye), on Wednesday’s practice report. Left guard Matthew Bergeron (hand) and cornerback Dee Alford (groin) were limited while cornerback Kevin King (concussion) did not participate.

Meanwhile, the Panthers listed 11 players on their initial Week 18 injury report, including nine non-participants. Cornerback Jaycee Horn (hip) and offensive lineman Robert Hunt (knee) were among those who sat out for Carolina.

Falcons injury report: Wednesday updates

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
Lorenzo Carter Oblique LP
JD Bertrand Eye LP
Dee Alford Groin LP
Matthew Bergeron Hand LP
David Onyemata Shoulder LP
Kevin King Concussion DNP

Panthers injury report: Wednesday updates

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
Amare Barno Shoulder DNP
Jaycee Horn Hip DNP
Robert Hunt Knee DNP
Josey Jewell Concussion DNP
Lonnie Johnson Shoulder/neck DNP
Mike Jackson Rest DNP
A’Shawn Robinson Neck DNP
D.J. Wonnum Rest DNP
Taylor Moton Knee LP
Miles Sanders Ankle FP
Xavier Legette Hip/wrist FP
Nick Scott Illness DNP

Sunday’s game starts at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Falcons can still win the NFC South if they defeat the Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose to the New Orleans Saints.

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Falcons injury report: Drake London gives update on status for Week 17

Falcons injury report: Drake London among seven players limited at Thursday’s practice

The Atlanta Falcons returned to practice on Thursday after being given Wednesday off for the holiday. Wide receiver Drake London was among seven players limited on the team’s Thursday injury report. London provided an update on his status for Week 17.

The third-year wideout told reporters he expects to play in Sunday’s prime-time game against the Washington Commanders. Things seem less promising for cornerbacks Kevin King and Antonio Hamilton after missing their second practice in a row.

Linebacker Lorenzo Carter, defensive lineman Zach Harrison and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge were limited.

Falcons Week 17 injury report

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
Drake London Knee LP LP
KhaDarel Hodge Ribs LP LP
Lorenzo Carter Groin LP LP
Zach Harrison Achilles LP LP
Matthew Judon Rest LP   —
Antonio Hamilton Quad DNP DNP
Kevin King Concussion DNP DNP
Casey Washington Concussion FP FP
Ross Dwelley Ankle FP LP
Charlie Woerner Rest  — LP
Nate Landman Rest  — LP

The Falcons signed quarterback Emory Jones to the practice squad on Thursday. According to team reporter Tori McElhaney, Jones is helping the team prepare for elusive rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Atlanta faced Jones in the preseason, giving up 100 yards and a touchdown to the rookie in a 13-12 loss to the Ravens. Daniels and Penix are set to face off in the first prime-time matchup ever between two first-round quarterbacks.

Sunday’s game kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.

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Falcons injury report: Latest updates on Darnell Mooney, Kaleb McGary

Falcons injury report: Atlanta releases estimated practice report after getting Wednesday off

The Atlanta Falcons have had a busy couple of days following their Monday night win over the Las Vegas Raiders. On Tuesday, the team decided to bench quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. for the rest of the season.

The Falcons will face the New York Giants this weekend in Penix’s first NFL start. While the team did not hold practice on Wednesday, Atlanta released a simulated injury report that listed eight players.

Wide receiver Darnell Mooney was limited for rest and right tackle Kaleb McGary (knee) was listed as a full participant. KhaDarel Hodge, who was awarded NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, was limited due to a rib injury.

Falcons estimated Wednesday injury report

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
Darnell Mooney Rest LP
KhaDarel Hodge Ribs LP
Ross Dwelley Ankle LP
Charlie Woerner Quad LP
Zach Harrison Rest LP
Kaleb McGary Elbow FP
Casey Washington Concussion DNP
Demone Harris Illness DNP

Sunday’s game against the Giants kicks off at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

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Falcons injury report: Latest updates with Week 15 game designations

Falcons injury report: Troy Andersen, Casey Washington ruled out vs. Raiders

The Atlanta Falcons released their final injury report of Week 15 and two players have officially been ruled out for Monday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Linebacker Troy Andersen (knee) and wide receiver Casey Washington (concussion) will be inactive after missing all three days of practice. Rookie defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro is listed as questionable for Week 15 despite getting a full practice in on Saturday.

Wide receiver Darnell Mooney was limited for the second day this week. Mooney is battling a foot injury but was not given an injury designation for Monday’s game.

Falcons injury report: Saturday updates

Player Injury Thu Fri Sat Status
Darnell Mooney Foot LP FP LP    —
Jessie Bates Shoulder FP FP FP    —
Charlie Woerner Wrist FP FP FP    —
Zach Harrison Achilles LP LP FP    —
Matthew Judon Rest LP   —   —    —
Ruke Orhorhoro Ankle LP LP FP QUEST.
Troy Andersen Knee DNP DNP DNP OUT
Casey Washington Concussion DNP DNP DNP OUT
Nate Landman Rest   — LP   —    —
Chris Lindstrom Rest   — LP   —    —
Grady Jarrett Rest   —   — LP    —
Kaleb McGary Rest   —   — LP    —
Jake Matthews Rest   —   — LP    —
David Onyemata Rest   —   — LP    —

With quarterback Aidan O’Connell unlikely to play in Week 15, the Raiders are expected to start quarterback Desmond Ridder against his former team. Ridder has appeared in four games this season, throwing for 239 yards and a touchdown.

Monday’s game in Las Vegas starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football.” Make sure to check out the team’s latest depth chart and our recent mock draft entering Week 15.

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Vikings rule out All-Pro defender for Sunday’s game vs. Falcons

Falcons News: Vikings rule out All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore for Week 14 game

The Atlanta Falcons have a crucial road matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. Both teams are fighting for their divisional lives and can’t afford a loss on Sunday.

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins returns to the city where he spent the last six seasons. The 36-year-old is coming off arguably the worst game of his NFL career and will need to play well to hold off talented rookie Michael Penix.

Fortunately for Cousins, the Vikings have ruled out All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore ahead of Sunday’s game in Minnesota.

The Vikings have a few other players, including guard Dalton Risner and defensive lineman Harrison Phillips, listed as questionable for Week 14. The Falcons are in decent shape heading into Sunday’s game.

The team ruled out rookie running back Jase McClellan and defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro. Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes was listed as questionable.

Check out the team’s full Week 14 injury report, depth chart and updated 53-man roster. Sunday’s game starts at 1 p.m. ET inside Minnesota’s U.S. Bank Stadium.

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

Falcons injury report: Drake London limited, Darnell Mooney out on Wednesday

The Atlanta Falcons will travel to Minneapolis in Week 14 for a crucial game against the 10-2 Minnesota Vikings. On Wednesday, the team released its first injury report of the week and a few notable names, including Drake London and Darnell Mooney, were on it.

Mooney, who’s recovering from an Achilles injury, was given a rest day while London was limited for rest as well. Running back Jase McClellan was held out with a knee injury.

Defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro was designated to return from the injured reserve list. The rookie was a limited participant at Wednesday’s practice.

Cornerback Mike Hughes was a full participant and Kevin King was limited for rest. In total, 10 players were listed on the team’s Wednesday injury report.

Falcons Week 14 injury report

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
Drake London Rest LP
Darnell Mooney Rest DNP
Nate Landman Hamstring LP
Troy Andersen Knee LP
Mike Hughes Neck FP
Matthew Judon Rest LP
Kevin King Rest LP
Ruke Orhorhoro Ankle LP
Zach Harrison Achilles LP
Jase McClellan Knee DNP

Sunday’s game in Minnesota starts at 1 p.m. ET inside U.S. Bank Stadium. Check out the Falcons’ latest depth chart and roster moves entering Week 14.

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Falcons provide injury update on rookie defensive lineman

Falcons rookie defensive lineman set to return from injured reserve list in Week 14

The Atlanta Falcons struggled to score points in their 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, but their defense showed up in a big way. After recording just 10 sacks over the first 11 games, the Falcons brought down Justin Herbert a season-high five times.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris hopes to keep that defensive momentum going when the team faces off against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Morris said he expects rookie defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro to return from the injured reserve list this week, which should provide an additional boost for Atlanta’s front seven. The Falcons head coach also said he doesn’t expect safety DeMarcco Hellams back this week.

The second-round pick out of Clemson was a healthy scratch for the first few games of the season. Orhorhoro eventually got a chance and played fairly well, especially against the run. He was later placed on the injured reserve list due to an ankle injury he suffered in Week 8.

Check back on Wednesday for the team’s first Week 14 injury report. On Tuesday, the Falcons released their depth chart for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

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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 injury news: Latest update on WR Darnell Mooney

ESPN insider provides injury update on Falcons WR Darnell Mooney, who exited Sunday’s game vs. the Broncos

The Atlanta Falcons have the week off and it couldn’t have come at a better time. After ruling out eight players ahead of Week 11, the team suffered a few other notable injuries during Sunday’s 38-6 loss to the Denver Broncos.

Wide receiver Darnell Mooney (hamstring), cornerback Kevin King (concussion) and defensive lineman Zach Harrison (knee) each exited the game and did not return.

Mooney, the former Chicago Bears wideout, has been a key piece of Atlanta’s offense this season. Fortunately, it doesn’t sound like he will miss any time. According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Mooney’s hamstring injury is “not serious.”

Mooney finished Sunday’s loss with two catches for 27 receiving yards. It was his second-lowest yardage total of the year. Despite the quiet outing, Mooney leads the team with 711 receiving yards this season. The former fifth-round pick is on track for the second 1,000-yard season of his career.

The Falcons have a bye in Week 12 before they host the Los Angeles Chargers at home in Week 13. Check back later for updates on Harrison, King and rookie wide receiver Casey Washington.

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