Atlanta Falcons News

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Zachariah Branch • WR • Falcons

Zachariah Branch Buried on Falcons' Depth Chart

Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch is currently in a reserve role and is not expected to carry a heavy workload early in the season. In the Falcons' preseason loss to the Denver Broncos, Branch caught two of four targets for six yards and added three rushing yards on his lone carry. The third-round pick saw just one of eight first-team snaps against the Broncos, with Drake London (2), Jahan Dotson (8), Olamide Zaccheaus (6), and Chris Blair (5) all playing more snaps with Tua Tagovailoa. While Branch has been amid hype this training camp, his role with the first-team offense was very limited in their first game action. His best chance to contribute will be to pass Zaccheaus and handle the slot workload while London and Dotson work the outside. Otherwise, fantasy managers should pivot to better options with higher opportunity than Branch.

Yesterday

Za'Darius Smith • OLB • Falcons

Za'Darius Smith Coming Out of Retirement to Join Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons signed veteran pass rusher Za'Darius Smith on Tuesday, bringing the three-time Pro Bowler out of retirement less than a year after he stepped away from the NFL. Smith retired on Oct. 13, 2025 after playing five games for Philadelphia, where he recorded 1.5 sacks. He was much more productive the year before, finishing 2024 with nine sacks while splitting time between Cleveland and Detroit. Atlanta has an immediate need on the edge. Jalon Walker is out for the season with a torn ACL, while James Pearce Jr. will miss the first eight games because of a league suspension. Smith also has some familiarity with head coach Kevin Stefanski from their time together in Cleveland. He turns 34 in September and has not played since last October, so his early workload is still something to watch. Even so, Smith brings 70.5 career sacks to a Falcons front that suddenly needed another proven option.

Yesterday

Michael Penix Jr. • QB • Falcons

Michael Penix Jr. Still Only Doing 7-on-7 Drills

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) remains limited to 7-on-7 work as he continues his recovery from a partially torn ACL in his left knee. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that Atlanta has 7-on-7 periods scheduled during this week's joint practices against the Indianapolis Colts specifically so Penix can participate, according to Marc Raimondi. The third-year quarterback still has not been cleared for full 11-on-11 team drills. Penix underwent surgery in late November after the injury ended his 2025 season and has been working through individual drills, one-on-ones and 7-on-7 periods during camp. Getting reps against the Colts defense will give him something different this week without pushing him beyond his current restrictions. Penix has said his goal is to be ready for Week 1, but the Falcons have continued to let the medical staff determine his pace. Until he's cleared for full-team work, there is still another significant step to take in his return.

2 days ago

Bijan Robinson • RB • Falcons

Bijan Robinson Remains an Elite Running Back Option Entering 2026

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson put together an excellent season in 2025, recording a league-high 2,298 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns on 366 touches across 17 games. Three years into his NFL career, Robinson has yet to miss a single game. He also boosted his receiving production in 2025, recording 79 catches for 820 yards and four touchdowns on 103 targets. Entering 2026, Robinson should once again be the focal point of the Atlanta offense. The Falcons have some question marks at the quarterback position, which could limit the production ceiling of their offense. Still, Robinson has shown he can overcome a subpar offensive environment in the past. Redraft managers should view him as an elite running back option in 2026.

4 days ago

Brian Robinson • RB • Falcons

Brian Robinson Plays Starter for Falcons in Preseason Opener

Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson was the team's starting running back in Friday's 27-7 preseason loss to the Broncos, playing on the team's first two drives in the first quarter, recording two carries for six yards. While it wasn't a stat-stuffing performance, the former third-rounder came out of the game unscathed and solidified his status as the team's RB2 behind Bijan Robinson, who did not play in the contest. That RB2 role was filled by the now-departed Tyler Allgeier last season, but Allgeier was able to rack up 143 carries for 514 yards and eight scores last year behind Bijan. If Robinson Jr. can garner anywhere near those numbers, especially at the goal line, then he'll certainly have fantasy relevance. The 27-year-old is currently ranked as the RB48 in RotoBaller's rankings, coincidentally, right behind the aforementioned Allgeier.

4 days ago

Kyle Pitts Sr. • TE • Falcons

Kyle Pitts Sr. Targeted Early and Often in First Preseason Game

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. caught three of his four targets for 22 yards in Friday's 27-7 preseason loss to the Broncos. All four of Pitts' targets came on the first two drives from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is expected to open the season as the starter, at least until Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is able to return. It was a reassuring performance from the 6-foot-6 tight end who is coming off a season in which he set career highs in targets (118), receptions (88), and touchdowns (five) while racking up 928 yards receiving, which has pushed his fantasy value upward. The former fourth-overall draft pick has an ADP of 78 and currently sits at TE7 in RotoBaller's latest tight end ranks. Though Drake London did not play in this contest, to see the 25-year-old tight end that involved from the outset is encouraging for his potential to put up big numbers again this year as Atlanta's likely No. 2 option in the passing attack.

4 days ago

Tua Tagovailoa • QB • Falcons

Tua Tagovailoa Plays Two Series, Eyes TE Often in Preseason Opener

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa earned the start in Friday's 27-7 preseason home loss to the Broncos, playing two series in the first quarter before giving way to backup QB Cooper Rush. Tagovailoa was 3-of-5 passing for 22 yards, with four of his five passes being directed to tight end Kyle Pitts, and he was credited with one rush for no gain after the left-handed signal caller fumbled a snap but was able to recover the ball. It was reported on Saturday by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that the former first-round draft pick has the "inside track " for the starting job in Atlanta while Michael Penix Jr. (knee) finishes up rehabbing his knee, and this performance likely does nothing to change that, with his next chance to secure the gig coming next Saturday against the Colts in a preseason contest on the road. Assuming he does secure it, it does little for his fantasy prospects, with the Alabama product currently sitting at No. 30 in RotoBaller's latest QB rankings.

4 days ago

Tua Tagovailoa • QB • Falcons

Tua Tagovailoa has "Inside Track" on Starting QB Job

The Atlanta Falcons have yet to name a starting quarterback ahead of Friday night's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says that Tua Tagovailoa has an "inside track" on the starting gig. Tagovailoa is the obvious favorite to eventually be named the Falcons' Week 1 starter under center, primarily because Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has yet to be cleared for team drills in training camp after suffering a partially torn ACL in his knee in Week 11 of last year. As long as Tagovailoa stays healthy through the preseason and doesn't totally flop, he should enter his first year in Atlanta as the starter over the rehabbing Penix. However, with that said, that won't suddenly make him a super popular QB2 target in superflex leagues, as there's still plenty of injury risk with the former first-rounder, and the Falcons will likely have a short leash on him if he struggles. Head coach Kevin Stefanski may wait until after the preseason and for Penix to get a fair shake before making an official announcement. At RotoBaller, Tagovailoa is ranked as the QB30, one spot behind Raiders' rookie Fernando Mendoza.

5 days ago

James Pearce Jr. • DE • Falcons

James Pearce Jr. Suspended Eight Games

Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2026 regular season for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy. The NFL announced Friday that the suspension will begin Aug. 30, and Pearce will be eligible for reinstatement Nov. 2. The discipline follows his February arrest in Florida after a domestic dispute involving his former girlfriend, Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson. Pearce later entered a pretrial intervention program that could result in the charges being dismissed if he completes its conditions. Atlanta is already without Jalon Walker, who tore his ACL earlier this month, so the Falcons will open the year missing both of their 2025 first-round edge rushers. Pearce was a huge part of the pass rush as a rookie, leading Atlanta with 10.5 sacks and adding 16 quarterback hits. RotoBaller had him 90th overall in its latest IDP rankings, but an eight-game absence makes him difficult to carry in standard IDP redraft leagues.

5 days ago

Jahan Dotson • WR • Falcons

Jahan Dotson Pulling Away As Falcons' WR2

So far, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jahan Dotson has consistently spent time with the first-team offense in training camp. Dotson signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Falcons this offseason after two consecutive seasons as a rotational player with the Philadelphia Eagles. While star receiver Drake London should operate as the WR1 this season, Dotson looks to be fending off Olamide Zaccheaus and rookie Zachariah Branch in camp. The Falcons are seeking a replacement for receiver Darnell Mooney, who has averaged more than 40 yards per game with the team. If Dotson wins the WR2 battle, his current WR96 ranking in RotoBaller's positional rankings is a great value for fantasy managers in deeper leagues to take advantage of.

6 days ago

Drake London • WR • Falcons

Quarterback and Coaching Changes May Affect Drake London in 2026

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London is coming off a strong 2025 season, hauling in 68 of 112 targets for 919 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. However, his current price may be too high to consider him in 2026. London is likely facing a quarterback change in 2026, with former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa coming to town. London did damage in the last two seasons with Michael Penix Jr., catching 82 of 133 targets for 1,162 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games, averaging 17.1 half-PPR fantasy points per game. In the two seasons without Penix, he had 86 receptions for 1,028 yards and 8 touchdowns in 17 games, averaging just under 14 points per game. The real concern is his slot usage, which ranked among the highest in the league in 2024 and 2025 under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Now with Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta, London could return to a more outside receiver role in 2026. Fantasy managers should understand the risk with London and potentially pivot to a safer option in drafts.

7 days ago

Michael Penix Jr. • QB • Falcons

ACL Issues Behind Michael Penix Jr.?

Per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) was told by a doctor that he has "an amazing ACL" and that he shouldn't "have any more knee problems for the rest of your career." It seems like a pretty optimistic statement for a player who has already torn his right ACL twice (in college) and who suffered a partial tear of his left ACL last year while playing for the Falcons. Penix has not been cleared for 11-on-11 team drills in training camp this summer, but after this glowing report on his left knee, that could change sooner rather than later. Still, the former first-rounder from the University of Washington has lost valuable time in the QB competition with Tua Tagovailoa. Head coach Kevin Stefanski refuses to name a starter for the start of the 2026 regular season, but it would be a big surprise if Tua wasn't the guy. Penix could get another opportunity under center as the starter in Atlanta in 2026, but it might take an injury or poor performance from Tagovailoa for it to happen.

7 days ago

Michael Penix Jr. • QB • Falcons

Michael Penix Jr. Still Not Cleared for 11-on-11 Work

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is still not cleared for 11-on-11 team work in training camp, and he will not play in Friday's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Even though Penix has yet to really compete with Tua Tagovailoa for the starting QB job this summer, head coach Kevin Stefanski has refused to name a starter for the beginning of the 2026 regular season. Tagovailoa will start on Friday against Denver, although he's likely to play only one offensive series. The 26-year-old Penix has been limited to 7-on-7 drills at camp so far, and it's unclear if he'll be able to play in any preseason games. Although Stefanski has yet to name a starting QB, the overwhelming expectation is that Tagovailoa will get the nod to begin the year. He'll likely be on a short leash if he doesn't perform, but as things currently stand, Penix is undraftable in single-year fantasy leagues, even in two-QB superflex formats.

7 days ago

Tua Tagovailoa • QB • Falcons

Tua Tagovailoa to Start Preseason Opener on Friday

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will start the team's preseason opener on Friday against the Denver Broncos, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said he isn't naming a starting QB for the regular season just yet, according to Tori McElhaney of AtlantaFalcons.com. Stefanski said the starters will play around 10 plays/one series but will vary based on the player. The 28-year-old Tagovailoa is widely expected to be named the Falcons' starting QB going into Week 1 of the regular season, with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) still recovering from a torn ACL and having not yet been cleared to take part in team drills in training camp this summer. The former fifth overall pick from the University of Alabama led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards in 2023 and had a league-high 72.9% completion percentage in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, but he has a dangerous history of concussions and threw for under 3,000 yards in each of his final two seasons in Miami. Tagovailoa has the weapons to bounce back in Atlanta in Stefanski's offense in 2026, but given his injury history, lack of arm strength, and likely short leash if he's named the starter, fantasy managers shouldn't be targeting him as much more than a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues.

7 days ago

Michael Penix Jr. • QB • Falcons

Michael Penix Jr. has Good Day in 7-on-7 Drills

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) had a good day in training camp practice on Monday while working in 7-on-7 drills, according to Tori McElhaney of the team's official website. Penix looked strong in the pocket and "worked the middle of the field well," hitting receiver Drake London several times. The lefty QB also dropped a long ball into tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.'s arms around 25 yards down the field, down the sideline. It's nice to hear for Penix, but the 26-year-old has yet to be cleared for team drills after suffering a partially torn ACL in his left knee in Week 11 of the 2025 season. The Falcons have yet to name a starter in their QB competition this summer between Penix and former Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, but all signs point to Tua getting the nod, at least to begin the 2026 regular season. Penix will almost certainly sit out Friday's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, and he'll most likely be holding the clipboard on the sideline for Tagovailoa in Week 1 of the regular season against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His redraft and dynasty value has tanked going into his third year in the NFL.

Aug 10

Brian Robinson • RB • Falcons

Brian Robinson Jr. Back With Second-Team Offense in Camp

After Atlanta Falcons superstar running back Bijan Robinson ended his holdout and signed a three-year, $75 million contract, Brian Robinson Jr. has returned to the second team in training camp. The former Commanders and 49ers running back has totaled 3,341 yards and 22 touchdowns in 58 NFL games. Robinson Jr. is coming off the worst statistical season of his career with San Francisco, finishing with just 425 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns despite playing all 17 games. Now in Atlanta, most speculate that he'll replace Tyler Allgeier, who was the Falcons' RB1B from 2023-2025. However, Allgeier's production has been far better than Robinson Jr.'s, and it's a whole new scheme with Kevin Stefanski in town. Fantasy managers should view Robinson Jr. as a handcuff in this offense and not expect much standalone value behind Bijan.

Aug 7

Zachariah Branch • WR • Falcons

Zachariah Branch The Most Noticeable Player on the Field

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch was a spring standout during organized team activities, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa comparing him favorably to former teammate Jaylen Waddle, and the third-round rookie continues to make plays throughout the dog days of summer. The Athletic's Josh Kendall believes Atlanta may have found a budding star, pointing to Branch as the player who has most consistently stood out all offseason long and calling him the most noticeable player on the field. A former five-star prospect and the number one receiver in the 2023 recruiting class, Branch never topped 700 yards or four touchdowns in his three seasons with USC and Georgia, but he appears to have found his stride in Falcons camp. On a depth chart in need of playmaking wide receivers behind Drake London, Branch could make an early impact and is a player to target in the closing rounds of 2026 drafts.

Aug 7

Jalon Walker • OLB • Falcons

Jalon Walker to Miss 2026 Season With Torn ACL

Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker (knee) will miss the 2026 season after tests confirmed a torn ACL, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Walker was carted off during Tuesday's practice after going down in a two-minute drill. The 22-year-old appeared in 15 games with nine starts as a rookie, finishing with 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Atlanta had planned to expand his role this season, including using him off the ball in addition to his work on the edge. The injury removes Walker from seasonal IDP consideration and leaves the Falcons without one of their most promising pass rushers. He is still worth holding on injured reserve in dynasty leagues.

Aug 5

Jalon Walker • OLB • Falcons

Jalon Walker Feared to Have a Torn ACL

Atlanta Falcons promising edge rusher Jalon Walker (knee) is feared to have suffered a torn ACL in training camp practice on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Walker will undergo an MRI exam to confirm the injury after being carted off the practice field on Tuesday with a left-leg injury. This would be a brutal blow for a Falcons defense that already had pass-rush questions going into the 2026 campaign. If Walker is indeed done for the year, Atlanta will need James Pearce to step up in a huge way. The 22-year-old Walker, the 15th overall pick in last year's NFL draft out of the University of Georgia, played in 15 games (nine starts) in his first NFL season and finished with 36 tackles (24 solo), 5.5 sacks, nine QB hits, a pass breakup, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery for Atlanta.

Aug 4

Kyle Pitts Sr. • TE • Falcons

Kyle Pitts Sr. "Moving Better," Fully Healthy for 2026

Some Atlanta Falcons people on the ground think that tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. is "moving better than he has in years," according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Pitts' confidence has wavered in previous seasons while battling a lingering knee injury, but he's at full health this offseason, and new head coach Kevin Stefanski's offense is set up for him. The Falcons' receiver depth is still a major question mark behind WR1 Drake London, leaving Pitts as "a certified first or second option" in the passing attack. Fowler mentions that Pitts has been going as a top-five fantasy TE in drafts after his big 2025 season in which he caught a career-high 88 passes on 118 targets for 928 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in 17 starts. We know that the former fourth overall pick in 2021 from the University of Florida is going to have a big role in 2026, but it's just a matter of whether QBs Tua Tagovailoa/Michael Penix Jr. can get him the ball consistently. Pitts finished last year as the No. 2 fantasy TE and has high-end TE1 potential yet again this year, albeit with some risk based on Atlanta's less-than-ideal QB situation.

Aug 4

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