Atlanta GA, September 6, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Falcons signed defensive lineman Sam Roberts from the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad and announced key roster changes ahead of the season opener. Other moves include releasing wide receiver David Sills V, placing Jake Hanson on injured reserve, and waiving Simeon Barrow Jr. The organization is working to finalize its 53-man roster before the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Atlanta Falcons Sign Defensive Lineman Sam Roberts and Announce Roster Changes Ahead of Season Opener
The Atlanta Falcons have made crucial roster adjustments as they prepare for their upcoming season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The organization has signed defensive lineman Sam Roberts, formerly of the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, and has made several other roster moves ahead of the game.
Roberts, aged 27, is a formidable presence on the defensive line, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 295 pounds. He was originally a sixth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots in 2022, where he spent two seasons before being waived in the summer of 2023. Following his release, Roberts joined the Panthers and participated in three games during the 2024 season.
In a related move, wide receiver David Sills V was let go from the active roster but was quickly re-signed to the practice squad. Sills garnered attention throughout the preseason as a reliable target, particularly for veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, and he played primarily with the second and third teams.
As the roster dynamics shift, the Falcons elevated Sills along with running back Carlos Washington Jr. to the active roster as part of the standard practices for players transitioning from the practice squad. In another change, defensive lineman Simeon Barrow Jr. was waived, making room for these new players.
Barrow, an undrafted rookie out of Miami (FL), had notable success in college with at least three sacks in each of his four seasons, closing his collegiate career with 5.5 sacks during his senior year. In the preseason, he recorded two tackles, a sack, and forced a fumble across three games, showcasing his potential.
Other significant roster changes include the placement of offensive lineman Jake Hanson on injured reserve due to an injury sustained during a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, which will sideline him throughout the regular season. Additionally, veteran defensive lineman Morgan Fox has also been released from the Falcons’ roster. Over his eight-year career, Fox has appeared in 120 games.
The current roster stands at 77 players, with the organization needing to make 24 cuts by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to finalize its 53-man roster. Coach Raheem Morris has indicated that the roster decisions have been impacted by injuries and intense competition for spots among players trying to secure their places.
Notably, starting right tackle Kaleb McGary is out for the season, leading to Elijah Wilkinson being named the starter for Week 1. Meanwhile, Clark Phillips III has been cleared to participate in the opener against Tampa Bay, while another defensive back has unfortunately been ruled out. Despite limited practice participation, wide receiver Drake London remains the leading receiver in matchups against the Buccaneers since his entry into the league in 2022.
Summary of Key Roster Changes
- Sam Roberts signed from Carolina Panthers’ practice squad.
- David Sills V released then re-signed to practice squad.
- Simeon Barrow Jr. waived from practice squad.
- Jake Hanson placed on injured reserve, out for the season.
- Morgan Fox released from the roster.
- Elijah Wilkinson named starting right tackle due to Kaleb McGary’s injury.
- Clark Phillips III cleared to play; another defensive back ruled out.
Chart of Key Events
| Action | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Signed | Sam Roberts | Active Roster |
| Released | David Sills V | Practice Squad |
| Waived | Simeon Barrow Jr. | Practice Squad |
| Injured Reserve | Jake Hanson | Out for the Season |
| Released | Morgan Fox | Out of Roster |
| Starter Named | Elijah Wilkinson | Right Tackle |
| Cleared to Play | Clark Phillips III | Active for Game |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta Falcons Roster Cuts – 53-Man Deadline
- Initial Rosters Set – Practice Squads Announced
- AJC: Raheem Morris Needs to be a Better Coach
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Falcons
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta Falcons
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