Tag: falcons news

Ex-Falcons linebacker refused to play in 49ers-Rams game

Ex-Falcons LB De’Vondre Campbell refused to play in Thursday night’s 49ers-Rams game..

On Thursday night, the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams faced off in a low-scoring, rain-filled NFC West showdown. The Rams pulled out a 12-6 road win, but after the game, 49ers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell was all anyone was talking about.

The former Atlanta Falcons linebacker did not appear in Thursday’s game, likely due to the return of Dre Greenlaw. According to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, Campbell was asked to enter the game in the third quarter but refused.

“He said he didn’t want to play today,” Shanahan said during his postgame press conference.

Campbell, 31, was drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft, spending his first four NFL seasons in Atlanta. After a one-year stop in Arizona, Campbell had a productive three-year stint in Green Bay. 

The versatile linebacker made the All-Pro first team with the Packers in 2021. Campbell has started 12 games this season — his first with the 49ers — but it sounds like his time in San Francisco will be coming to an end shortly.

On Friday, Shanahan made it clear that the team was moving on from Campbell, saying his behavior was “not something you can do and still be a part of our team.”

Perhaps the Falcons should give Campbell a call if they get their season back on track over the final four games. Atlanta will face the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night football in Week 15.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1360]

Falcons sign Pro Bowl return specialist to practice squad

Falcons sign former Pro Bowl kick returner Jakeem Grant to 16-man practice squad

On Thursday, the Atlanta Falcons made another addition to their practice squad. According to team reporter Terrin Waack, the Falcons have signed veteran wide receiver/return specialist Jakeem Grant.

The 32-year-old spent his first six NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins before getting traded to the Chicago Bears in 2021. Grant made the Pro Bowl that year but missed the next two seasons due to Achilles and knee injuries.

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. The veteran wideout also has 100 catches for 1,140 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

The Falcons have signed Grant to the practice squad twice already this season but released him within a week each time. Atlanta also signed former Packers safety Benny Sapp III to the practice squad earlier this week. 

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1360]

Falcons injury report: Latest updates on Darnell Mooney, Troy Andersen

Falcons injury report: Latest updates on Darnell Mooney and Troy Andersen

The Atlanta Falcons have begun preparation for this Monday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Eight players, including wide receiver Darnell Mooney and linebacker Troy Andersen, were listed on the team’s Thursday injury report.

Mooney was limited due to a foot injury while Andersen did not participate due to a knee injury. Rookie defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro, who’s still technically on the injured reserve list, was also limited.

Safety Jessie Bates was a full participant despite battling a foot injury. Outside linebacker Matthew Judon was given a semi-rest day.

Falcons vs. Raiders: Thursday injury report

Player Injury Thu Fri Sat Status
Darnell Mooney Foot LP
Jessie Bates Shoulder FP
Charlie Woerner Wrist FP
Zach Harrison Achilles LP
Matthew Judon Rest LP
Ruke Orhorhoro Ankle LP
Troy Andersen Knee DNP
Casey Washington Concussion DNP

The Falcons will attempt to end their four-game losing streak when they take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night. Head coach Raheem Morris has continued to stand by Kirk Cousins amid the quarterback’s struggles.

Cousins must bounce against a beatable Raiders team to hold off rookie Michael Penix Jr. With a loss in Week 15, Atlanta’s postseason odds would essentially go up in smoke.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1360]

Falcons head coach discusses Kirk Cousins, latest injury updates

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on confidence in Kirk Cousins, latest injury updates

How long will the Atlanta Falcons stick with Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback? That’s the question everyone wants to know after the team’s fourth consecutive loss.

The Falcons were defeated, 42-21, by the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14, officially dropping to second place in the NFC South with four games remaining.

Cousins hasn’t thrown a touchdown in the last four games while tossing eight interceptions in that same span. The veteran quarterback has thrown a career-high 15 interceptions this season.

Fans and analysts around the country have been calling for the team to bench Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr., but head coach Raheem Morris doesn’t think the time is right. Morris was asked whether or not he’d consider benching Cousins if the quarterback continues to spiral in Week 15.

“You have to have trust and belief in the people who got you where you are,” replied Morris.  “Kirk came here and got us to where we’re in playoff contention and you’ve got to believe and you’ve got to have resolve to stay steady-handed by the guy that you believe in.”

Despite mounting pressure to turn to the rookie, Morris has not changed his tune on Cousins. The Falcons head coach went on to say that they have a plan for Penix.

“He is a rookie and we do have a plan,” Morris said about Penix. “We’ve had a plan from the beginning on how we want to utilize and play our rookie — when it’s time.”

Morris provided some good news regarding injuries ahead of the team’s first practice of the week. “All of the guys will be practicing today,” the Falcons head coach told reporters on Thursday.

Check back after practice for the team’s first injury report of the week.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1360]

NFL passing yardage leaders (including Kirk Cousins) entering Week 15

NFL passing yardage leaders (including Falcons QB Kirk Cousins) entering Week 15

We are in the home stretch of the 2024 NFL season and each remaining game is intensified, especially for those teams fighting for a playoff spot.

The Atlanta Falcons are still in the hunt, but their odds of making the postseason have dropped significantly. According to Pro Football Network, the Falcons have a 27 percent chance of making the playoffs.

Kirk Cousins‘ recent slump has played a huge role in the team’s four-game losing streak. Despite throwing for 344 passing yards in Sunday’s loss to the Vikings, the veteran quarterback was held without a touchdown pass for the fourth week in a row.

Cousins has thrown a career-high 15 interceptions this season but now ranks third in the NFL in total passing yards.

NFL Passing Yardage Leaders: Week 15

  1. Joe Burrow: 3,706 yards
  2. Geno Smith: 3,474 yards
  3. Kirk Cousins: 3,396 yards
  4. Baker Mayfield: 3,329 yards
  5. Matthew Stafford: 3,303 yards
  6. Sam Darnold: 3,299 yards
  7. Lamar Jackson: 3,290 yards
  8. Jared Goff: 3,265 yards
  9. Patrick Mahomes: 3,189 yards
  10. C.J. Stroud: 3,117 yards
  11. Josh Allen: 3,033 yards
  12. Brock Purdy: 3,032 yards
  13. Aaron Rodgers: 2,966 yards
  14. Kyler Murray: 2,862 yards
  15. Bo Nix: 2,842 yards
  16. Jayden Daniels: 2,819 yards
  17. Justin Herbert: 2,764 yards
  18. Caleb Williams: 2,746 yards
  19. Jordan Love: 2,724 yards
  20. Jalen Hurts: 2,602 yards
  21. Tua Tagovailoa: 2,456 yards
  22. Derek Carr: 2,145 yards
  23. Daniel Jones: 2,070 yards
  24. Trevor Lawrence: 2,045 yards
  25. Gardner Minshew: 2,013 yards
  26. Dak Prescott: 1,978 yards
  27. Jameis Winston: 1,975 yards
  28. Will Levis: 1,827 yards
  29. Russell Wilson: 1,784 yards
  30. Drake Maye: 1,696 yards
  31. Bryce Young: 1,572 yards
  32. Anthony Richardson: 1,511 yards

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1360]

Watch: Falcons QB Kirk Cousins was mic’d up against former team

Falcons QB Kirk Cousins was mic’d up for Sunday’s loss to the Vikings in Minnesota

In Week 14, the Atlanta Falcons lost their fourth straight game to drop to 6-7 on the season. Kirk Cousins‘ return to Minnesota went about as bad as he could have hoped, tossing another two interceptions without a touchdown.

The veteran quarterback spent six seasons with the Vikings before leaving to sign a four-year deal with the Falcons in free agency. Many expected Minnesota to have a down year due to the uncertainty at quarterback, but the team has been arguably better since Cousins’ departure.

The Vikings improved to 11-2 on the season following their 42-21 blowout win over the Falcons. Cousins was “mic’d up” for his return to Minnesota. Watch as the 36-year-old interacts with his former teammates, including wide receiver Justin Jefferson:

The Falcons are still alive for the NFC South title but they no longer control their own destiny. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ latest win put them above Atlanta in the division standings.

In Week 15, the Falcons will face the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night football. With injuries piling up at quarterback for the Raiders, there’s a chance Atlanta will see former Falcon Desmond Ridder under center.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1360]

Ex-Falcons linebacker signs with Buccaneers practice squad

Former Falcons linebacker Deion Jones signs with NFC South rival Buccaneers

The Atlanta Falcons lost their lead in the NFC South after losing to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers leapfrogged the Falcons for first place with a win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

These two division rivals will continue to fight for the NFC South crown over the final four games. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Buccaneers have signed former Falcons linebacker Deion Jones to their 16-man practice squad.

The Falcons drafted Jones in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. The former LSU linebacker spent his first six seasons in Atlanta (2016-2021), recording 652 tackles (428 solo), 11 interceptions and 8.5 sacks.

Jones made the Pro Bowl in his second season but injuries slowed his career over the last few years. After signing with the Buffalo Bills over the offseason, he was released in August.

The Buccaneers have been battling injuries all season, so we’ll see if Jones gets called up to their 53-man roster. Tampa Bay currently leads the NFC South but Atlanta holds the head-to-head tiebreaker if both teams finish with the same record.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1360]

Falcons sign former Packers safety to practice squad

Falcons sign safety Benny Sapp III to practice squad, release Dane Cruikshank..

The Atlanta Falcons desperately need to right the ship after losing their fourth consecutive game. While it appears the team is sticking with Kirk Cousins at quarterback, the Falcons made one change to their practice squad on Monday afternoon.

According to team reporter Terrin Waack, Atlanta has signed safety Benny Sapp III to the practice squad while releasing defensive back Dane Cruikshank in a corresponding move.

Sapp, an undrafted free agent out of Northern Iowa, appeared in five games for the Green Bay Packers last season. The 24-year-old played primarily on special teams, recording two tackles (one solo).

The Falcons struggled on defense in Week 14, allowing 42 points to Sam Darnold and the Vikings. Darnold shredded Atlanta for five touchdown passes and zero interceptions.

Cousins struggled in his return to Minnesota, passing for 344 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions. While the yardage total looks impressive on paper, Cousins did not play well overall. It was still a slight improvement from his four-interception game in Week 13.

The Falcons take on the Las Vegas Raiders next week on national television. The game kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET Monday night on ESPN.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1360]

NFC South standings: Where do Falcons sit after loss to Vikings?

NFC South: Where do Falcons sit in division standings after Week 14 loss to Vikings?

One month ago, the Falcons held a commanding lead in the NFC South and the future looked bright. Following Sunday’s 42-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta has lost four straight games and five of its last seven.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14 to improve to 7-6. With that win, the Buccaneers have surpassed the Falcons in the NFC South standings.

The Carolina Panthers lost to the Eagles to drop to 3-10. Lastly, the New Orleans Saints defeated the New York Giants for their fifth win of the season.

NFC South standings after Week 14

Pos Team Games Back Record Div Record Next Opponent
1 Buccaneers – 7-6 2-2 @ Chargers
2 Falcons 1 6-7 4-1 @ Raiders
3 Saints 2 5-8 2-3 vs Commanders
4 Panthers 4 3-10 1-3  vs Cowboys

The Falcons no longer control their destiny within the division. Even if they win out, Atlanta needs Tampa Bay to lose at least one game over the final four weeks to have a chance.

Head coach Raheem Morris did not sound intent on making the move to Michael Penix Jr. after Sunday’s loss but said he still needed to look at the film.

If the Falcons continue to play like they have on this four-game losing streak, the Saints may very well catch them in the standings. This scenario was hard to fathom just a few weeks ago.

Something needs to change for this Atlanta team before the entire season goes down the drain.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1360]

Raheem Morris addresses Kirk Cousins’ status after loss to Vikings

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris addresses Kirk Cousins’ status following loss to Vikings

The Atlanta Falcons have dug themselves a hole that may be tough to climb out of following their 42-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The team has lost four straight games and squandered its lead in the NFC South.

While plenty went wrong during Sunday’s game, including penalties, turnovers and poor execution, the focus will certainly be on quarterback Kirk Cousins. In his first game against his former team, Cousins had another underwhelming performance.

The veteran quarterback was held without a touchdown for a fourth consecutive week and threw two more interceptions. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris made it sound like he’s sticking with Cousins during his postgame press conference but left a little wiggle room.

“Everything is always discussed when you go watch the tape and do all those types of things, but like, Kirk Cousins is our quarterback,” said Morris. “We’ll have the ability to go watch this tape just like we do every week. Kirk played significantly better than he did the week before.”

Morris said he just wants to find a way to win football games and believes Kirk will play a role.

“We’ll do whatever is best to go win football games and Kirk is definitely a part of that.”

The Falcons are back on the road in Week 15 for a prime-time matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. While Atlanta will likely be favored, the team better be more prepared than it was in Week 14.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1360]