FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Falcons News Now is your go-to source for the real stories coming out of Flowery Branch each week. We're providing a one-stop shop for you to browse through all Falcons-related news at the end of every week of the 2025 season — who's winning reps, who's earning trust and what's happening in and around your favorite team.
From roster move analysis, practice intel, big-play highlights and so much more, this isn't just the news you need, it's what shapes Sundays in Atlanta.
Ultimately, if something matters to this locker room, it makes this newsletter.
So, if you eat, sleep and breathe Falcons football? This is your inside edge — every update, every storyline, all in one place.
The News, Now
Key developments on the field and roster move analysis
The biggest news of the week came on Wednesday when starting right tackle Kaleb McGary was carted off the field with a lower left leg injury. A team spokesperson shared that afternoon that McGary would undergo an MRI. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler then reported Thursday afternoon that McGary would "miss time" because of the injury. However, no specific timeline was shared within the report.
All of this on its own is a negative notch on the Falcons' offensive belt, but coupled with another report — this one from ESPN's Adam Schefter stating backup tackle Storm Norton underwent ankle surgery Tuesday — dealt an even heftier blow.
Where the Falcons go from here regarding their depth at tackle is up for debate. Tori McElhaney answered a lot of questions about where Atlanta's offensive line goes from here in this week's Falcons Mailbag. The main answer, though? It's unclear at the moment with roster cuts on the horizon.
Still, practices continued as the final week of the preseason continued. Here are Terrin Waack's reports from those days:
- Roster battles in the spotlight during the final week of preseason practice
- The most notable player was Natrone Brooks, who intercepted quarterback Kirk Cousins' pass during 11-on-11 work, jumping to cut off the intended target of wide receiver Jesse Matthews.
- Edge rusher Jalon Walker, who did not play against the Titans due to a groin injury sustained during joint practices, was seen dressed out for individual drills but did not participate in any 11-on-11 work.
- Raheem Morris announces that neither Jalon Walker nor James Pearce Jr. will play in Friday's final preseason game.
- The most notable player was C.J. Henderson. The cornerback intercepted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. during an 11-on-11 period, jumping the route to pick off the pass. Henderson was working with the second-team defense at the time.
- Despite being sidelined due to injuries, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and running back Carlos Washington Jr. were present at practice in street clothes. Cornerback Keith Taylor, who missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury, earned some reps with the first-team defense.
Finally, the Falcons made a flurry of roster moves to start the week. This included signing quarterback Ben DiNucci and edge rusher Ronnie Perkins.
Fan Zone Highlights
Tweets, videos and podcasts you may have missed
In the Nest
Behind-the-scenes stories, locker room insight into team culture
Fantasy football draft nights are on the horizon and you don't have to look very far for your Falcons information for draft night. Will McFadden created a complete Fantasy Football Draft Guide for all of your Falcons inquiries. Make sure and pin this one as you're building out your rosters.
Running back Nathan Carter took one to the house on an explosive run last Friday against the Tennessee Titans. With Carlos Washington Jr. injured, it's Carter who has provided a spark to the Falcons' run game.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Casey Washington has hit his stride this preseason working with the first-team offense in the absence of Darnell Mooney. A calm mind has helped Washington's confidence shine through.
And though injuries happen every year at any time, Tori McElhaney wrote in a column this week that the injuries to key role players this preseason makes upcoming 53-man roster decisions all the more complicated and convoluted.
Game Day Intel
Upcoming match previews and predictions
Movers and shakers from last Friday's preseason game have one more chance to make a stand — who stood out last week? Tori McElhaney gives you her list.
However, there are a handful of individuals Morris announced earlier this week that won't see the field this Friday. A lot of those individuals are dealing with injuries that could impact decisions in the future.
You can view the team's unofficial depth chart for the week here.
As a reminder: Atlanta has its third and final preseason game on tap Friday, as the Falcons hit the road to face the Dallas Cowboys inside AT&T Stadium at 8 p.m. ET.
The NFL's deadline for teams to set their 53-man rosters is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
The Falcons take flight to Dallas to face the Ravens in week three of the 2025 preseason. #RiseUp
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Bralen Trice #48 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Kyle Hinton #68 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson #71 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker #11 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Lamar Jackson #38 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. #33 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #4 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Liam McCullough #49 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jamal Agnew #14 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Henry Black #32 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Elijah Dotson #41 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jordan Fuller #29 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Nick Nash #80 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Blair #19 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn #52 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Caleb Johnson #53 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Keith Taylor #39 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion #13 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Divine Deablo #0 boards the plane at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, August 21, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
