Atlanta, Georgia, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Falcons have completed their 53-man roster in preparation for the upcoming NFL season, releasing 22 players and placing eight on injured lists. The team made a significant trade with the Seattle Seahawks, acquiring offensive tackle Michael Jerrell as they navigate multiple injuries affecting the offensive line. Notable roster adjustments include the placement of Kaleb McGary on IR and the movement of Troy Andersen to the reserve/PUP list. The current roster stands at 52 players, with one spot allocated for Jerrell, as the team looks forward to upcoming challenges.
Atlanta, Georgia – The Atlanta Falcons successfully finalized their 53-man roster ahead of the upcoming NFL season by the Tuesday deadline, a process that involved the release or waiving of 22 players. In addition to these roster cuts, the team placed eight players on different injured lists, indicating a need to manage health concerns as they prepare for the season.
As part of their roster adjustments, the Falcons made a strategic trade with the Seattle Seahawks, acquiring offensive tackle Michael Jerrell in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2027. Jerrell, a sixth-round pick in 2024, has experience as he started three games and appeared in a total of ten games last season.
The addition of Jerrell comes as a response to ongoing injuries within the offensive line. Notably, right tackle Kaleb McGary suffered a leg injury during the final practice of training camp and has been placed on injured reserve, meaning he will not return this season. Moreover, swing tackle Storm Norton underwent ankle surgery and is expected to be out for six to eight weeks, starting the season on IR. Defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham has also been placed on IR but will have the opportunity to return later in the season.
Linebacker Troy Andersen, who was previously listed on the active/PUP list throughout training camp, has been moved to the reserve/PUP list, which will also sideline him for at least the first four games of the season. Currently, the Falcons’ roster consists of 52 players, with one spot reserved for the newly acquired Jerrell.
In terms of key player positions, Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins will lead the quarterback lineup, while Easton Stick and Ben DiNucci were among those cut. The running back trio of Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, and Nathan Carter secured spots, while Carlos Washington Jr. was waived. The receiving corps features seven players, highlighting notable talents like Drake London and Darnell Mooney, as five players were released from this group.
The tight end position is well-staffed with four players, and the offensive line includes eight members, including Jerrell and Elijah Wilkinson. The defensive unit retains five players on the line, although Morgan Fox was a surprise cut. The outside linebacker group is made up of six players, while four inside linebackers round out that position.
In the secondary, the Falcons have secured seven cornerbacks, with some experienced veterans being waived. The safety position includes three players; rookie Xavier Watts has earned a spot on the roster, while seasoned player Jordan Fuller was unexpectedly released. Special teams will feature kicker Younghoe Koo, punter Bradley Pinion, and long-snapper Liam McCullough.
The Atlanta Falcons can begin signing additional players to their practice squad once the waiver process concludes on Wednesday, presenting opportunities for both new and previous players looking to make their mark on the team.
Injuries Impacting the Roster
- Kaleb McGary – Placed on IR, season-ending leg injury.
- Storm Norton – Ankle surgery, out for six to eight weeks, on IR with return designation.
- Ta’Quon Graham – Placed on IR with return designation.
- Troy Andersen – Moved to reserve/PUP list, missing at least four games.
Roster Summary
- Total Players Waived: 22
- Players on Injured Lists: 8
- Current Roster: 52 players (with one open slot for Jerrell)
Key Player Positions
| Position | Key Players | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins | Both made the final roster |
| Running Back | Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Nathan Carter | All secured roster spots |
| Wide Receiver | Drake London, Darnell Mooney | Seven players made the roster |
| Offensive Line | Michael Jerrell, Elijah Wilkinson | Eight linemen kept, addressing injuries |
| Defensive Line | Notable Cuts: Morgan Fox | Five players remain |
| Cornerback | Seven players | Veterans waived |
FAQ Section
What is a 53-man roster?
A 53-man roster is the maximum number of players an NFL team can have on its active roster at the start of the regular season. Teams must trim their rosters to this number by a specific deadline set by the league.
Why were 22 players waived by the Falcons?
The Falcons needed to reduce their roster to meet the 53-man limit, leading to the release or waiving of 22 players as part of the team’s final roster decisions.
Who was traded to the Falcons?
The Falcons acquired offensive tackle Michael Jerrell from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in 2027.
What injuries impacted the Falcons’ roster?
Key injuries affected players like Kaleb McGary, Storm Norton, Ta’Quon Graham, and Troy Andersen, leading to their placements on injured reserve or the reserve/PUP list.
How many players will the Falcons have on their practice squad?
The Falcons can sign players to their practice squad after the waivers process is complete, but the number of players and who will fill those positions will depend on the outcome of waivers.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta Falcons Official Site
- The Falcons Wire
- The Falcoholic
- Sports Illustrated
- The Falcoholic – Final Roster Revealed
- Wikipedia: National Football League
- Google Search: Atlanta Falcons news
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Falcons
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta Falcons
- Google News: Atlanta Falcons
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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