Falcons release depth chart for home opener vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — At long last, the 2024 regular season is upon us, and with it comes the first depth chart.

There's not too terribly much to report that's out of the ordinary, but it is important to point out a few additions to the starting lineup.

For the first time since the Falcons acquired him, Justin Simmons shows up alongside Jessie Bates III as a starting safety. This comes as no surprise seeing as head coach Raheem Morris said Monday that Bates was full-go in practice this week. Since Simmons was without a team for majority of the offseason, training camp and the preseason, when he finally landed, in Atlanta the coaching staff saw fit to ease him into team activities. They've ramped him up weekly, with this week seeing Simmons' workload reach 100%.

Another defensive development to make note of is Troy Andersen starting at inside linebacker alongside Kaden Elliss. The Falcons have made it no secret that having three starting caliber inside linebackers is a "good problem to have," with Andersen, Elliss and Nate Landman. The insertion of Andersen into the starting lineup shouldn't take away from that, but it is an intriguing decision which had been trending towards this conclusion for much of the last few weeks.

It's also good to note that both Elliss (groin) and Landman (quad) are returning from soft tissue injuries sustained in preseason practices. Both missed a little bit of time last week, but are back in action with the team with Morris stating "they're good to go." The Falcons' first injury report will be released after practice Wednesday.

As for special teams, Avery Williams returns to full return duties on punt and kickoff following a year away with a knee injury. Mike Hughes slots in as his backup.

You can check out the Falcons' full Week 1 depth chart below.

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS