ATL Standard

The Atlanta Falcons have announced that eight players will not participate in their upcoming Week 11 game against the Denver Broncos. Among those sidelined are several key defensive starters.

In the secondary, Dee Alford and Mike Hughes are both out due to injuries. Their absence is expected to lead to increased roles for Clark Phillips III, Kevin King, and potentially Richie Grant. Antonio Hamilton Sr., who serves as Alford's backup at nickel, is also unavailable.

Alford has been a primary player at nickel this season, while Hughes has consistently started alongside A.J. Terrell at outside cornerback. The team will need to adjust its strategy to compensate for these missing players.

Moving closer to the line of scrimmage, inside linebackers Troy Andersen and JD Bertrand are also ruled out due to injuries. As a result, Kaden Elliss and Nate Landman will continue as starting linebackers. Andersen had recently returned from an injury but aggravated it during last week's game against the Saints.

Defensive linemen James Smith-Williams and Ta'Quon Graham have been ruled out as well, which may provide rookie Brandon Dorlus with his first playing opportunity this season if additional depth is required on the defensive line.

On offense, tight end Charlie Woerner will miss his first game of the season because of a concussion.

There is some positive news regarding wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who was cleared to play despite being listed with an Achilles injury earlier in the week. Mooney was limited in practice on Friday but does not carry any game designation.

The Falcons might make further roster adjustments before Sunday's game. Outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter and center Drew Dalman participated fully in practice on Friday without any game designations. They could be activated back onto the 53-man roster within their current 21-day window.

Additional roster moves or practice squad elevations are typically announced by Saturday afternoon, with inactive lists released shortly before kickoff on Sunday.