Atlanta, GA, October 16, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Falcons are dealing with significant injury concerns as four starters, including Jalon Walker and Billy Bowman Jr., missed practice before their game against the Buffalo Bills. Ray-Ray McCloud was a healthy scratch, while safety Jordan Fuller returned from injured reserve. The team’s defensive record remains strong as they approach this important Monday night game. A.J. Terrell is expected to return after injury, but Darnell Mooney’s status is uncertain.
Atlanta – The Atlanta Falcons were without four starters during Thursday’s practice, raising injury concerns as the team prepares for their upcoming Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills. The team did not practice on Wednesday, meaning that day’s injury report was merely an estimate.
The non-participants during Thursday’s practice included Jalon Walker (groin), Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring), Jake Matthews (ankle), and Ray-Ray McCloud (not injury-related). Notably, Ray-Ray McCloud was added to the injury report on Thursday, following a previous game against the Buffalo Bills where he was a healthy scratch. His absence was confirmed as a coaching decision rather than due to physical injury.
For context, the injury report designates situations where a player is withheld for reasons not related to a physical injury under the term “not injury related — other.” Additionally, safety Jordan Fuller returned to practice, having been on injured reserve with a knee injury sustained since Week 2. Fuller is joining Ta’Quon Graham, who is also in a 21-day window to potentially return to the active roster. The Falcons currently hold a record of 3-2 and lead the league with the No. 1 total defense and No. 1 pass defense entering Week 7.
In terms of player status, starting cornerback A.J. Terrell is expected to play on Monday night after missing two games due to a hamstring injury. However, Darnell Mooney’s status remains uncertain, as he was held out of practice for the second consecutive day due to a hamstring injury. The injury report also includes two rookies, Billy Bowman Jr. and Xavier Watts, who appeared with knee and ankle injuries, respectively, both listed as limited.
The Falcons are set to face the Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 7:15 p.m. Monday. As injury conditions develop, the team will aim to solidify its roster and keep its defensive momentum heading into the game.
Injury Report Summary
- Jalon Walker: Groin injury – Did not practice
- Billy Bowman Jr.: Hamstring injury – Did not practice
- Jake Matthews: Ankle injury – Did not practice
- Ray-Ray McCloud: Not injury-related – Did not practice
- Jordan Fuller: Returned to practice (knee)
- A.J. Terrell: Expected to play (hamstring injury)
- Darnell Mooney: Uncertain status (hamstring injury)
- Xavier Watts: Ankle injury – Limited participation
Upcoming Game
Opponent: Buffalo Bills
Date: Monday, 7:15 p.m.
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
FAQ
What players did not participate in Thursday’s practice?
Jalon Walker (groin), Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring), Jake Matthews (ankle), and Ray-Ray McCloud (not injury-related).
What is the reason for Ray-Ray McCloud’s absence?
Ray-Ray McCloud was added to the injury report on Thursday as a healthy scratch; it was a coaching decision.
Who returned to practice?
Safety Jordan Fuller returned to practice after being on injured reserve with a knee injury since Week 2.
What is the current record of the Atlanta Falcons?
The Falcons currently hold a record of 3-2.
What is the status of A.J. Terrell?
Starting cornerback A.J. Terrell is expected to play Monday night after missing two games due to a hamstring injury.
Key Features of Practice Report
| Player | Status | Injury Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jalon Walker | Did Not Practice | Groin |
| Billy Bowman Jr. | Did Not Practice | Hamstring |
| Jake Matthews | Did Not Practice | Ankle |
| Ray-Ray McCloud | Did Not Practice | Not Injury Related |
| Jordan Fuller | Returned to Practice | Knee |
| A.J. Terrell | Expected to Play | Hamstring |
| Darnell Mooney | Uncertain Status | Hamstring |
| Xavier Watts | Limited Participation | Ankle |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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James Cook Aims for Milestone at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
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Buffalo Bills Defensive Tackle DaQuan Jones Injured Before Game
Hawks Triumph Over Heat in Overtime Thriller
Atlanta Falcons Inactive Players Against Bills
Buffalo Bills Prepare for Key Matchup Against Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons Defense Leads NFL Ahead of Bills Matchup
Atlanta United Faces Lineup Challenges Against Inter Miami
Atlanta Falcons to Host Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football
Additional Resources
- Atlanta Falcons Injury Report vs. Buffalo Bills
- AJC: Falcons Injury Report – AJ Terrell
- Atlanta Falcons Injury Report – Carolina Panthers
- SI: Injury Scare for Kaleb McGary
- AJC: Falcons Injury Report – Billy Bowman Jr.
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Falcons
- Google Search: Atlanta Falcons News
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Falcons Injuries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Google News: Atlanta Falcons
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.
