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
Following the Falcons' shortened preseason game against the Detroit Lions last Friday night, the organization signed safety Ronnie Harrison and center Jake Hanson. In turn, the Falcons released offensive lineman Michael Gonzalez and placed safety Grayland Arnold on the reserve/injured list.
Another notable transaction included the reported signing of cornerback C.J. Henderson, which was first reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Thursday morning.
Henderson was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida.
Over the course of the last few days, the Falcons have hosted the Tennessee Titans for joint practices. Here are our reports from Tuesday and Wednesday:
Joint practice report No. 1, Tuesday, Aug. 12 — Offensive observations from Terrin Waack. Defensive observations from Tori McElhaney.
- For the first time in training camp, the Falcons went through 7-on-7 drills. Head coach Raheem Morris has publicly said he's not a fan of them, but alas, another team is in town and a compromise must have been made. Quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins threw five passes apiece. Penix connected on all of his.
- Tuesday's joint practice solidified that Natrone Brooks is not only moving up the 53-man roster, he also could be the first outside corner off the bench behind A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes.
- Ta'Quon Graham left practice following the one-one-one periods at the start. Morris later confirmed he left with a calf injury. He is considered week-to-week.
Joint practice report No. 2, Wednesday, Aug. 14 — Offensive observations from Tori McElhaney. Defensive observations from Terrin Waack.
- The news of the day involved a scruff up with the Falcons first-team offense and the Titans second-team defense. It saw Michael Penix Jr. right in the middle of it all. And while we all know Penix to be calm, cool and collected, he said he turned into "somebody else" in that moment, showcasing a fiery side of his personality anyone has yet to truly see.
- Dee Alford was a defensive standout. The cornerback had a great all-around practice Wednesday, but he put an exclamation point on it during the final period of full-team work, intercepting Cam Ward.
- A couple offensive standouts were David Sills V and Chris Blair. Over the two days of joint practices, Sills actually got a longer run with the first-team offense, while Blair was a go-to target for Kirk Cousins.
And what did we learn throughout the two days of practice? A whole heck of a lot. Tori McElhaney answers your questions in this week's Falcons Mailbag, joint practice edition.
Fan Zone Highlights
Tweets, videos and podcasts you may have missed
In the Nest
Behind-the-scenes stories, locker room insight into team culture
Last Friday, we got to see a glimpse into what DeAngelo Malone has been focusing on this offseason.
Though he may be the team's "barnyard bully" when it comes to special teams, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich came to Atlanta with a new vision and plan for Malone. That vision only reinforces his place on a 53-man roster.
"DeLo was awesome in the game," Raheem Morris said. "We played him at inside linebacker in the first half of the game and then the second half of the game we pulled some of those guys — whether it be Jalon (Walker) or James (Pearce Jr.) — and we were able to put DeLo out there at the outside backer position and so some of the rushing things from the outside edge and he was absolutely phenomenal."
Game Day Intel
Upcoming match previews and predictions
Unofficial depth chart for the Falcons' second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.
From A.J. Terrell vs. Calvin Ridley, to Zach Harrison vs. Kevin Zeitler, here are some marquee matchups and top storylines from joint practices that could be worth watching to see if they carry over come kickoff Friday.
Speaking of which, the game begins at 7 p.m. ET inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It is the Falcons' second — and final — home preseason game. The next time the Falcons suit up at the Benz will be in September when they host the Buccaneers to open the regular season.
Take a look at the best photos of joint practice as the Atlanta Falcons battle against the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp in Flowery Branch, Ga.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker #11 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts #31 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Nathan Carter #38 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
f4 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver David Sills V #87 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Nick Nash #80 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jordan Fuller #29 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Ford Jr. #28 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 and Calvin Ridley during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 and Calvin Ridley during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. #33 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes #21 during practice at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. #8 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Ford Jr. #28 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 and Calvin Ridley during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tackle Jake Matthews #70 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron #65 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. #27 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Joshua Gray #67 and Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Jordan Williams #62 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson #71 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron #65 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron #65 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Natrone Brooks #35 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom #63 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Ford Jr. #28 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. #33 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 and Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during joint practice with the Tennessee Titans during the 2025 AT&T Training Camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
