Tag: falcons news

Falcons place two defenders on IR, activate two starters for Week 11

Falcons place two players on the injured reserve list, activate two starters for Week 11 game vs. Broncos

On Saturday, the Atlanta Falcons announced numerous roster and practice squad transactions ahead of their Week 11 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The team activated center Drew Dalman and outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter from the injured reserve list.

Both players will likely return to their starting roles on Sunday. The Falcons placed outside linebacker James Smith-Williams and defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham on the injured reserve list. The team also signed cornerback Natrone Brooks off the practice squad to take the last open roster spot.

That wasn’t all, though. Atlanta released kick returner Jakeem Grant from the practice squad and signed Matt Hennessy in a corresponding move. The team has elevated defensive back Dane Cruikshank and outside linebacker Khalid Kareem from the practice squad as standard Week 11 elevations.

Dalman has been out since Week 3 and now returns 17 days after the team opened his 21-day practice window. Carter was out the last four games due to a concussion but has returned in time to replace Smith-Williams at outside linebacker.

The Falcons ruled out eight players for Sunday’s game in Denver. Check out the team’s final injury report, depth chart and updated 53-man roster.

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Falcons reveal uniforms for Week 11 matchup vs. Broncos

Falcons reveal uniform combination for Sunday’s Week 11 game against the Denver Broncos

The Atlanta Falcons suffered their first road loss of the season on Sunday but will attempt to bounce back against the Broncos this weekend in Denver. Both teams suffered field-goal malfunctions that potentially cost them wins in Week 10.

The Falcons failed to convert three field goals, one of which was blocked, during their 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. As for the Broncos, they were in a position to upset the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs but had their game-winning field goal blocked in the final seconds.

On Thursday, Atlanta revealed its Week 11 uniform combination. According to the team’s Twitter account, the Falcons will wear their white jerseys with black pants against the Broncos on Sunday.

The Falcons have gone 3-1 on the road this season, with their three wins coming against the Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Broncos are 2.5-point favorites despite Atlanta having the better record entering Week 11. Sunday’s game starts at 4:05 p.m. ET inside Empower Field at Mile High.

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All 32 NFL teams (including the Falcons) ranked by FPI ratings

All 32 NFL teams (including the Falcons) ranked by FPI ratings entering Week 11

The Atlanta Falcons took a tumble on Sunday during the 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints, one of the lowliest teams in the NFL.

The Falcons had some of the same type of issues they have had in previous games with slow starts and missed opportunities, in addition to an uncharacteristic three missed field goals by Younghoe Koo.

Atlanta now holds a 0.8 FPI rating, good for 14th in the NFL. The Falcons will hit the road to take on the Denver Broncos with a -2.8 FPI rating at No. 25.

FPI is described as “a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team’s performance going forward for the rest of the season,” according to ESPN.com.

“FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Projected results are based on 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, results to date, and the remaining schedule.”

So without any further delay, here’s a look at how the league’s 32 teams stack up based on FPI heading into Week 11 of the 2024 season:

  1. Detroit Lions (8-1): 7.5
  2. Baltimore Ravens (7-3): 7.0
  3. Buffalo Bills (8-2): 6.0
  4. Kansas City Chiefs (9-0): 5.4
  5. San Francisco 49ers (5-4): 4.4
  6. Green Bay Packers (6-3): 4.4
  7. Philadelphia Eagles (7-2): 4.2
  8. Minnesota Vikings (7-2): 2.3
  9. Washington Commanders (7-3): 2.0
  10. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2): 1.9
  11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6): 1.7
  12. Arizona Cardinals (6-4): 1.5
  13. Houston Texans (6-4): 1.2
  14. Atlanta Falcons (6-4): 0.8
  15. Cincinnati Bengals (4-6): 0.7
  16. Los Angeles Chargers (6-3): 0.7
  17. New York Jets (3-7): 0.2
  18. Cleveland Browns (2-7): -0.3
  19. Los Angeles Rams (4-5): -0.4
  20. Miami Dolphins (3-6): -0.7
  21. New Orleans Saints (3-7): -1.3
  22. Seattle Seahawks (4-5): -1.4
  23. Chicago Bears (4-5): -1.4
  24. Indianapolis Colts (4-6): -1.6
  25. Denver Broncos (5-5): -2.8
  26. New York Giants (2-8): -4.6
  27. Las Vegas Raiders (2-7): -4.8
  28. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8): -5.1
  29. Tennessee Titans (2-7): -5.2
  30. New England Patriots (3-7): -6.5
  31. Carolina Panthers (3-7): -7.4
  32. Dallas Cowboys (3-6): -8.0

The Falcons will next go up against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Atlanta and Denver are set to kick off at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 17.

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Falcons DC Jimmy Lake using interesting tactic to fire up defense

Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake is using an interesting tactic to appeal to his defense.

Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake is thinking outside of the box this week when it comes to finding ways to motivate his defense.

With the team’s shocking 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in the rearview mirror, Lake’s unit is now looking ahead to this weekend’s matchup against the Denver Broncos.

In addition to what they’re doing on the practice field, Lake also has the players watching professional fight clips. Those included Jorge Masvidal’s 2019 clash against Ben Askren and Diego Corrales’ matchup in 2005 against Jose Luis Castillo, just to name a couple.

All of them taught a lesson in a different capacity but had the same message of attacking an opponent and bouncing back the right way. This is something that Atlanta failed to do last week against the Saints despite multiple opportunities.

“It’s just a way to relate to the players and show them something,” Lake told team reporter Terrin Waack. “No different than maybe your history teacher or your favorite teacher in high school. He had this awesome presentation, and you might still remember it to this day.”

Despite the fact Lake is a coach and indeed not a schoolteacher, there are some striking similarities if you really ponder the concept.

“That’s really what we are,” Lake continued. “We’re football teachers.”

The Falcons defense will have a chance to show just how much that resonated when they hit the field against the Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 17.

Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. ET.

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Falcons QB Kirk Cousins wins Pro Football Network Midseason award

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins wins Pro Football Network Midseason award…

After investing heavily in the quarterback position during the offseason, the Atlanta Falcons are sitting pretty atop the NFC South with a 6-4 record. Quarterback Kirk Cousins, who left Minnesota to sign a four-year, $180 million deal in Atlanta, has been worth every penny thus far.

For a team on a six-year playoff drought and coming off three consecutive 7-10 seasons, Cousins’ clutch play in crunch time has helped the team get over the hump through the first 10 games.

Atlanta’s one-dimensional offense has transformed into one of the league’s most explosive units with help from the veteran quarterback. The 36-year-old is ranked third in the NFL with 2,634 passing yards.

Cousins was named the 2024 Pro Football Network Midseason Comeback Player of the Year. Eight of PFN’s panel of 11 experts voted for the Falcons signal-caller:

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is the 2024 PFN Midseason Comeback Player of the Year, earning eight of 11 votes from our panel of experts. Exactly one year ago, Cousins was in the first days of recovery from a torn Achilles that coincided with his contract year.

Now, he’s the NFL’s No. 13 quarterback according to PFN’s proprietary QB+ metric and the man under center for a Falcons team that enters Week 11 as the NFC’s No. 3 seed. Cousins, 36, has completed 68.2% of his passes and thrown 17 touchdowns to just eight interceptions for the 6-4 Falcons. Five of Atlanta’s wins have been by one score, and Cousins has been solid in crunch time. — Adam H. Beasley, Pro Football Network

Starting with the team’s improbable comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, Cousins has consistently shown up for the Falcons whenever the team has needed him.

Atlanta’s many offensive weapons have also thrived with the addition of Cousins. Wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney are on pace for career years while tight end Kyle Pitts is looking more and more like he did during his 1,000-yard rookie campaign.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris knew exactly what he was getting in Cousins and deserves credit for prioritizing a position that has held this team back for the last few years.

Atlanta will travel to Denver for a matchup against former nemesis Sean Payton and the Broncos in Week 11.

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Falcons release former third-round pick ahead of Week 11

Falcons release former third-round pick Matt Hennessy, clearing way for potential return of Drew Dalman

The Atlanta Falcons have been dealing with injuries along their offensive line all season, but things may finally be looking up for this unit entering Week 11. Center Drew Dalman is nearing a return after spending the last seven weeks on the injured reserve list.

While Dalman has yet to be activated, don’t be surprised to see him return in time for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. On Thursday, the team released backup interior lineman Matt Hennessy without announcing a corresponding move.

The Falcons originally selected Hennessy in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft. The former Temple standout started 22 games for Atlanta over his first three seasons in Atlanta.

Could this be a preemptive move for the team to activate Dalman? It feels like a strong possibility after Raheem Morris‘ comments at his Wednesday press conference. Morris said Dalman was progressing well but had some milestones to clear this week in practice.

The Falcons are still fairly banged up with 18 players listed on their Thursday injury report. Dalman continues to practice as a full participant so it’s only a matter of time until he’s activated.

Check out the team’s latest injury report, depth chart and updated 53-man roster entering Week 11.

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Falcons injury report: Latest updates on Darnell Mooney, Kirk Cousins

Falcons injury report: Darnell Mooney, Kirk Cousins among 18 players listed on Thursday’s report

On Thursday, the Atlanta Falcons wrapped up their second day of practice ahead of this weekend’s matchup against the Denver Broncos. Both teams are coming off close losses in Week 10 and will look to bounce back in Week 11.

After listing 16 players on their estimated Wednesday injury report, that number jumped to 18 at Thursday’s practice. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney was limited due to an Achilles injury. Quarterback Kirk Cousins was a full participant after being limited on Wednesday.

Six players sat out on Thursday, including cornerback Dee Alford, linebacker James Smith-Williams and defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham.

Atlanta Falcons Week 11 injury report:

Player Injury Wed Thu Fri Status
Drake London Hip FP FP FP   —
Drew Dalman Ankle FP FP FP   —
Lorenzo Carter Concussion LP FP FP   —
Kirk Cousins Shoulder/elbow LP FP FP   —
Mike Hughes Neck LP DNP DNP OUT
Tyler Allgeier Quadricep LP FP FP   —
JD Bertrand Concussion LP LP DNP OUT
Troy Andersen Knee LP LP LP OUT
Chris Lindstrom Knee LP LP FP   —
Ryan Neuzil Calf LP FP FP   —
Zach Harrison Achilles LP LP FP   —
Dee Alford Hamstring DNP DNP DNP OUT
Antonio Hamilton Pectoral DNP DNP DNP OUT
James Smith-Williams Tibia DNP DNP DNP OUT
Charlie Woerner Concussion DNP DNP OUT
Ta’Quon Graham Pectoral DNP DNP OUT
Darnell Mooney Achilles   — LP LP   —
Grady Jarrett Achilles   — LP FP   —

Kirk Cousins injury update:

Cousins was limited on Wednesday with injuries to his right shoulder and elbow but was a full participant at Thursday’s practice. It doesn’t appear the veteran quarterback’s status is in jeopardy for Week 11.

Darnell Mooney injury update:

Mooney was added to the injury report on Thursday with an Achilles injury. While Mooney’s addition is somewhat concerning, he was still a limited participant in practice. If Mooney can’t play this weekend, look for Ray-Ray McCloud and KhaDarel Hodge to fill in.

Tyler Allgeier injury update:

Allgeier was limited at Wednesday’s practice but returned on Thursday and was a full participant. The third-year running back doesn’t appear to be in danger of missing Week 11.

The Falcons take on the Broncos this Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET in Denver. Despite having the better overall record, Atlanta is a 2.5-point underdog entering Week 11.

Check out the team’s updated depth chart and 53-man roster ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

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Falcons sign former Pro Bowl kick returner to practice squad

Falcons sign former Pro Bowl kick return specialist to 16-man practice squad

The last few years have been anything but smooth sailing for NFL kick return specialist Jakeem Grant. After making the first Pro Bowl of his NFL career in 2021, Grant suffered back-to-back season-ending injuries in 2022 and 2023.

The Atlanta Falcons signed Grant earlier in the season but ended up waiving him via injury settlement a few weeks later. On Wednesday, the team once again signed Grant, this time to the practice squad.

Grant, 32, was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Texas Tech. After spending his first five seasons in Miami, he was traded to the Chicago Bears four games into the 2021 campaign.

Despite signing with the Browns as a free agent in 2022, Grant never suited up for Cleveland due to injuries. Now he returns to Atlanta hoping to finally get his career back on track. Grant has recorded 100 catches for 1,140 receiving yards and seven touchdowns over his six years in the NFL.

His biggest contributions have come in the return game. Grant has 119 career punt returns for 1,228 yards and four touchdowns, with another 110 kick returns for 2,699 yards and two touchdowns.

Assuming he’s healthy this time around, Grant could be a nice depth addition for a Falcons team looking to end a six-year postseason drought.

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Falcons don’t fall far in CBS Sports’ latest NFL power rankings

Falcons don’t fall far after loss to Saints in CBS Sports’ latest power rankings

The Atlanta Falcons fell short in their attempt to sweep the New Orleans Saints after suffering a three-point road loss in Week 10. It was a minor setback in an otherwise successful season and the team will try to get back on track this weekend when they take on the Denver Broncos.

Before losing to the Saints, the Falcons were knocking on the door of being a top-10 team, sitting at 11th in CBS Sports’ NFL power rankings. Now, they see themselves falling back two spots to 13th but still ahead of the next-best NFC South opponent.

That was a horrible loss on the road to the Saints. The good news for them is the Bucs lost behind them, but that wasn’t a good look in New Orleans. — Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

The loss was frustrating, especially for kicker Younghoe Koo, who left nine points on the field which could have potentially won the game. However, Koo doesn’t deserve all the blame as the offense struggled to keep drives going and the defense gave up too many big plays.

If the Falcons want to salvage their loss, a win over the 5-5 Broncos would do the trick. Denver is coming off a game it probably should have won against the Chiefs if not for a blocked field goal as time expired.

The Falcons have gone 0-1 against the AFC West thus far, losing by five points to the Chiefs in Week 3. Sunday’s game in Denver is crucial for both teams. The Broncos are 2.5-point favorites entering Week 11.

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Falcons provide injury updates on Lorenzo Carter, Drew Dalman

Falcons designate OLB Lorenzo Carter to return from injured reserve list

As the Atlanta Falcons head into the second half of the season, the injuries have started to pile up. 16 players, including quarterback Kirk Cousins and guard Chris Lindstrom, were listed on the team’s initial injury report for Week 11.

The Falcons also received some positive news. Outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter has been designated to return from the injured reserve list. Carter suffered a concussion and was later placed on IR in Week 7.

The former Georgia linebacker was a limited participant in practice to start the week. Head coach Raheem Morris provided updates on center Drew Dalman (ankle) and a few other players on Wednesday.

Dalman is still technically on the injured reserve list but was designated to return two weeks ago. While Morris sounded optimistic about the center’s return, there are still some benchmarks that he must clear in practice. Ryan Neuzil will continue to start if Dalman misses Sunday’s game.

Morris did not sound as confident about the injuries to Ta’Quon Graham and James Smith-Williams. “Not great,” said Morris. “We will have to make some significant changes there.”

The Falcons will likely look to rookie Brandon Dorlus this weekend against the Denver Broncos. The fourth-round pick out of Oregon has been a healthy scratch in the first 10 games of the season.

Atlanta also signed wide receiver/kick returner Jakeem Grant to the team’s 16-man practice squad on Wednesday.

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