Atlanta, GA, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Falcons have revealed their initial 53-man roster for the regular season, consisting of 52 players after a series of cuts and injuries. Key changes include the placement of Kaleb McGary on injured reserve and the surprising release of veteran players. To bolster their offensive line, the Falcons traded for Michael Jerrell. Notable rookie performances saw several players secure spots amid intense competition, while others were waived before the final cut.
Atlanta Falcons Announce Initial 53-Man Roster for 2025 Season Amid Injuries and Surprising Cuts
The Atlanta Falcons have officially unveiled their initial 53-man roster for the upcoming 2025 regular season. The announcement was made on Tuesday at the NFL’s deadline of 4 p.m. ET. The roster consists of 24 offensive players, 25 defensive players, and 3 special teams players, totaling 52 out of the possible 53 spots.
Prior to finalizing their roster, the Falcons made several significant moves, resulting in the release of 12 players and placing offensive lineman Jake Hanson on injured reserve. This adjustment brought the team’s roster down to 77 players before the final cuts were made. The Falcons also engaged in multiple transactions leading up to the deadline, including releasing nine players, waiving 13, and placing eight others in injury-related categories.
Notable injuries include starting right tackle Kaleb McGary, who was carted off the field during practice and has now been placed on injured reserve without a designation to return, effectively sidelining him for the entire season. Backup tackle Storm Norton is also starting the season on injured reserve following ankle surgery, but he has been given a designation to return.
To address depth issues on the offensive line, the Falcons traded a conditional 2027 seventh-round draft pick to the Seattle Seahawks for offensive tackle Michael Jerrell. This move is expected to bolster the team’s options up front as they navigate through injuries.
Several players who were anticipated to make the roster faced surprising cuts, including veteran defensive lineman Morgan Fox, along with quarterbacks Easton Stick and Ben DiNucci. Conversely, running back Nathan Carter made the roster after exhibiting excellent performance, surpassing Carlos Washington Jr., who has been battling a hamstring injury.
Wide receiver Casey Washington, who had a standout preseason, secured a position on the final roster, along with David Sills V who made a late push for inclusion. On the defensive side, defensive lineman LaCale London and linebacker Josh Woods also achieved roster spots despite earlier predictions suggesting otherwise.
The cornerback position featured intense competition, with Natrone Brooks and rookie Billy Bowman III making the final cut. Several notable players vying for positions were waived during the process. The safety position experienced a shocker with the release of Jordan Fuller, while rookie Xavier Watts earned a spot after an impressive training camp.
Three specialists—Younghoe Koo, Bradley Pinion, and Liam McCullough—have been confirmed as sure bets to remain on the roster. The injury report identifies several players, including Kaleb McGary, Tyrone Wheatley, Grayland Arnold, Emory Jones, Storm Norton, Ta’Quon Graham, and linebacker Troy Andersen who will miss at least the first four games of the season due to injury.
The Falcons are scheduled to begin signing players to their practice squad on Wednesday at noon ET, allowing them to further refine their roster and depth in anticipation of the regular season ahead.
Key Transactions and Roster Changes
- Initial roster includes 52 players.
- Kaleb McGary placed on injured reserve, ending his season.
- Storm Norton starts on injured reserve but can return later.
- Conditional trade made for OT Michael Jerrell from the Seahawks.
- Surprising cuts included Morgan Fox and quarterbacks Easton Stick and Ben DiNucci.
Injuries Impacting the Roster
- Kaleb McGary (season-ending)
- Storm Norton (injured reserve with designation to return)
- Troy Andersen (misses at least four games)
Summary of Roster Breakdown
- Offensive Players: 24
- Defensive Players: 25
- Special Teams Players: 3
FAQ Section
1. How many players are on the Atlanta Falcons’ initial roster?
The Falcons’ initial roster includes 52 players, with one spot available for future additions.
2. Who are the notable injured players on the roster?
Key injured players include Kaleb McGary, Storm Norton, and linebacker Troy Andersen, all of whom will miss significant portions of the season.
3. What trades were made before the final roster announcement?
The Falcons traded a conditional 2027 seventh-round pick to the Seahawks for offensive tackle Michael Jerrell to enhance their offensive line.
4. Which players unexpectedly did not make the final cut?
Surprising cuts included veteran defensive lineman Morgan Fox and quarterbacks Easton Stick and Ben DiNucci.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta Falcons Official News
- The Falcons Wire
- The Falcoholic
- Sports Illustrated
- The Falcoholic – Final Roster
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Falcons
- Google Search: Atlanta Falcons 2025 season
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Falcons roster
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta Falcons
- Google News: Atlanta Falcons roster 2025
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
