Atlanta, Georgia, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Falcons have bolstered their roster by signing kicker Ben Sauls and wide receiver Deven Thompkins to their practice squad ahead of a crucial game against the Washington Commanders. Sauls, a rookie previously with the Steelers, showed impressive performance in preseason. Thompkins comes with NFL experience from the Buccaneers and Panthers. The Falcons aim to improve their record after a tough loss against the Panthers.
Atlanta, Georgia – The Atlanta Falcons have signed kicker Ben Sauls and wide receiver Deven Thompkins to their practice squad as the team seeks to bolster its roster in light of recent performance challenges. The move comes just ahead of a crucial match against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
Ben Sauls, a rookie kicker, was previously with the Pittsburgh Steelers but was released prior to the NFL’s 53-man roster cut deadline. Sauls showed promise during the preseason, participating in all three of the Steelers’ games, where he made five of six field-goal attempts and converted all six extra points. His successful field goals included attempts from distances of 28, 36, 49, and 50 yards, with his only miss being a 43-yarder.
During his collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh from 2020-2024, Sauls served primarily as a placekicker in his final three seasons. He successfully completed 52 out of 64 attempts for an impressive 81.3% success rate. Additionally, he solidified his reliability by converting 122 of 124 extra points, which translates to a 98.4% success rate. Throughout his five years in college, he totaled 278 points.
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris indicated the need for competition for current kicker Parker Romo, who struggled with an 0-for-2 field goal performance in the Week 3 loss against the Carolina Panthers. However, Romo bounced back in Week 4, successfully kicking five field goals in a win against the Minnesota Vikings and was subsequently signed to the active roster after the team released veteran kicker Younghoe Koo.
Deven Thompkins, the second sign-on for the practice squad, comes to Atlanta with three years of NFL experience, having played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers. In the 2023 season, Thompkins recorded 17 receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown, alongside eight rushing attempts for 56 yards. His standout performance of the season occurred during a Week 4 victory over the New Orleans Saints, where he caught all four of his targets for 45 yards and a touchdown.
Thompkins also played for the Panthers in 2022, appearing in seven games and achieving four receptions for 20 yards and two carries for 7 yards.
The Falcons currently hold a 1-2 record and are set to face the Washington Commanders, who have a season record of 2-1, on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 1 p.m. ET. The team is looking to improve following a disappointing 30-0 loss to the Panthers in Week 3, marking a decade since they last suffered a shutout on the road. This loss dropped the Falcons to 0-2 in the NFC South.
Key Statistics
| Player | Position | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Sauls | Kicker |
|
| Deven Thompkins | Wide Receiver |
|
Upcoming Game
The Falcons will be facing the Washington Commanders on Sunday, aiming to take advantage of the home-field advantage at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
FAQ
Who did the Atlanta Falcons sign to their practice squad?
The Atlanta Falcons signed kicker Ben Sauls and wide receiver Deven Thompkins to their practice squad.
What were the statistics for Ben Sauls while with the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Sauls participated in all three Steelers’ preseason games, making five of six field-goal attempts and all six point-after attempts. His successful field goals were from distances of 28, 36, 49, and 50 yards; his only miss was a 43-yarder.
What is Deven Thompkins’ experience in the NFL?
Thompkins comes to Atlanta with three years of NFL experience, having previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers.
What is the current record of the Atlanta Falcons?
The Falcons currently hold a 1-2 record.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta Falcons News: Ben Sauls and Deven Thompkins Signed
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Falcons
- AJC: Falcons Cut Kicker Younghoe Koo
- Google Search: Atlanta Falcons recent news
- Sports Illustrated: Falcons Decision on Kickers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NFL
- Times Free Press: Falcons Leave Kicker Younghoe Koo Off
- Google News: Falcons Parker Romo
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