The Atlanta Falcons are entering their Week 5 bye with a 2-2 record, following a recent win in Week 4. The timing of the early bye week, initially seen as less than ideal, is now viewed by some as beneficial given the team’s current injury situation.
Several key players could return after the break. Cornerback A.J. Terrell, who has missed two games due to a hamstring injury, is progressing well and is expected to be available for the Week 6 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Raheem Morris expressed the most confidence in Terrell’s return among injured players.
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who has dealt with both shoulder and hamstring issues this season, is not expected to miss any games according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Defensive back Natrone Brooks is recovering from a concussion but may also be available for the next game depending on his progress through protocol.
Other players’ statuses remain uncertain. Defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham and inside linebacker Troy Andersen are both on injured reserve or physically unable to perform lists with designations to return; their exact timelines are unclear. Offensive lineman Storm Norton could potentially resume practice during Week 6 after an ankle injury that was projected to sideline him for six to eight weeks. Edge rusher Bralen Trice’s knee injury may keep him out longer, possibly for the remainder of the season.
Questions from fans addressed roster decisions at kicker and defensive back positions. Regarding why Lenny Krieg has not been promoted to the active roster after Younghoe Koo’s departure, it was suggested that Krieg may not yet be ready based on recent free agent signings at kicker following Parker Romo’s struggles. C.J. Gardner-Johnson is reportedly not being considered as an option at defensive back since Terrell is expected back soon and depth at safety is considered sufficient.
Another topic was offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s move to calling plays from the sideline rather than from upstairs during games. The change received positive feedback from players and coaches alike.
Jake Matthews said: “It was good to have him down there. I think that helped. Everyone just executed and got stuff done as he called it.”
Morris added: “The communication seemed brisk. It seemed more comfortable to what we are and what we want to do. I was really pleased with how that worked out.”
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. commented: “It gives us confidence. To be able to come off to the sideline and be able to hear from him exactly what he’s seeing and the way that he wants to set up the plays on the next drive, it was awesome to have. I feel like it definitely was a good thing for us.”
Robinson is expected to continue calling plays from the sideline moving forward.
