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Falcons Rule Out Rookies for Sunday Night Showdown

Players warming up in a football stadium.

Atlanta GA, October 17, 2025

News Summary

The Atlanta Falcons have officially ruled out rookies Jalon Walker and Billy Bowman Jr. due to soft tissue injuries ahead of their Sunday night game against the San Francisco 49ers. With wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud also sidelined, Dee Alford is expected to step in as the nickel back. Additionally, left tackle Jake Matthews and wide receiver Darnell Mooney are both listed as questionable. The 49ers, facing their own injury challenges, will be without quarterback Brock Purdy but welcome back tight end George Kittle.

Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Falcons have officially ruled out rookies Jalon Walker and Billy Bowman Jr. for their Sunday night game against the San Francisco 49ers, both sidelined due to soft tissue injuries. This marks the second consecutive game for Bowman on the injury list, while it will be Walker’s first missed game this season.

In light of Bowman’s absence, Dee Alford is anticipated to step in as the nickel back. Alford has shown promise, recording an interception against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. The Falcons will also be without wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud as he has been ruled out due to private matters, having not participated in practice throughout the week. Notably, McCloud was a healthy scratch in Week 6.

Additionally, starting left tackle Jake Matthews is listed as questionable. He suffered an ankle injury in Week 6 and did not take part in Thursday’s practice, but he was limited during Friday’s session. Matthews holds the franchise record for the most consecutive games started at 183.

Wide receiver Darnell Mooney is also questionable after missing Week 6 due to a hamstring injury. Mooney did not practice on Friday. The Falcons are expected to face the 49ers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, with the game set to kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET.

The Falcons have been hampered by injuries, missing two of their top three receivers, Mooney and McCloud, during their previous game. Moreover, safety Jordan Fuller has seen his 21-day window to return from injured reserve open; he has missed action since Week 2 due to a knee injury.

The 49ers, on the other hand, will be facing their own challenges as they will be without quarterback Brock Purdy, who has been out for three consecutive games due to a toe injury. Mac Jones, who is leading the NFL in passing yards per game, will take the reins as the starting quarterback. Jones set a record for the most passing yards by a 49ers quarterback in his first four starts.

On a positive note for the 49ers, tight end George Kittle is set to make his return after missing five games due to a hamstring injury and will not face snap count limitations. However, their defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos will be sidelined with a knee/hamstring injury. Other players, including defensive tackle Kevin Givens, cornerback Renardo Green, and cornerback Upton Stout, are all listed as questionable for the 49ers, with Stout dealing with an ankle injury sustained during practice.

The matchup between the Falcons and 49ers is expected to be crucial for both teams as they navigate through injury setbacks and roster adjustments ahead of their primetime kickoff.

FAQ

Who is ruled out for the Atlanta Falcons against the San Francisco 49ers?

The Atlanta Falcons ruled out rookies Jalon Walker and Billy Bowman Jr. due to soft tissue injuries.

What is the status of Jake Matthews?

Starting left tackle Jake Matthews is listed as questionable after suffering an ankle injury in Week 6.

What is significant about Mac Jones for the 49ers?

Mac Jones leads the NFL in passing yards per game and set a record for most passing yards by a 49ers quarterback in his first four starts.

Key Injury Report Summary

Player Team Status Injury Type
Jalon Walker Falcons Out Soft Tissue Injury
Billy Bowman Jr. Falcons Out Soft Tissue Injury
Ray-Ray McCloud Falcons Out Private Matters
Jake Matthews Falcons Questionable Ankle Injury
Darnell Mooney Falcons Questionable Hamstring Injury
Brock Purdy 49ers Out Toe Injury
George Kittle 49ers Questionable Hamstring Injury
Yetur Gross-Matos 49ers Out Knee/Hamstring Injury

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Atlanta Falcons Inactive Players Against Bills
Buffalo Bills Prepare for Key Matchup Against Atlanta Falcons
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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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.

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