Atlanta, GA, September 22, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Falcons have released cornerback C.J. Henderson from their practice squad, opening a spot for their ongoing kicker competition. Henderson made an impression during training camp and preseason but was ultimately released just weeks into the regular season. The Falcons’ cornerback roster now includes starters Mike Hughes and the injured A.J. Terrell, along with backups Dee Alford, Mike Ford Jr., and Clark Phillips III.
Atlanta
The Atlanta Falcons have officially released cornerback C.J. Henderson from their practice squad. This decision came without any corresponding roster move announced, which now opens up a practice squad spot that is likely to be filled as the team continues its ongoing kicker competition.
Henderson, 26, was a late addition to the Falcons’ training camp roster, having signed just one day prior to their second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. He made a notable initial impression on the coaching staff, particularly with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris commending the cornerback’s elite movement and intelligence. Henderson was praised for quickly adapting to the team’s system and building rapport with both teammates and coaches.
He played in the Falcons’ final preseason game but was released afterward, leading to his addition to the practice squad. Before his release, Henderson was one of three cornerbacks on the roster, sharing space with Cobee Bryant and Keith Taylor. Speculation arose regarding Henderson’s possible elevation to the active roster following an injury to A.J. Terrell Jr., but the Falcons opted not to promote him for a recent game.
The Falcons’ cornerback roster currently features starters Mike Hughes and the injured A.J. Terrell, along with backups Dee Alford, Mike Ford Jr., and Clark Phillips III.
C.J. Henderson was initially drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has since struggled to find stability within the league. After a brief tenure with the Jaguars, he was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021. The Panthers subsequently declined his fifth-year option, leading Henderson to sign contracts with the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers in subsequent seasons, although he did not secure a spot on their active rosters.
In the 2023 season, Henderson had a total of 39 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, and two pass defenses over the course of 12 games while playing for the Panthers. His standout season occurred in 2022 when he recorded six pass defenses and two interceptions.
With his recent release from the Falcons just three weeks into the 2025 regular season, Henderson is now on the lookout for a new team.
FAQ
Why was C.J. Henderson released from the Atlanta Falcons?
The Atlanta Falcons officially released cornerback C.J. Henderson from their practice squad. This decision came without any corresponding roster move announced.
What position did C.J. Henderson play on the Falcons?
C.J. Henderson played the position of cornerback on the Atlanta Falcons.
When was C.J. Henderson added to the Falcons’ training camp roster?
Henderson was a late addition to the Falcons’ training camp roster, signed one day before their second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.
What notable achievements did C.J. Henderson have in the 2023 season?
In the 2023 season, Henderson recorded 39 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, and two pass defenses in 12 games for the Panthers.
What was C.J. Henderson’s draft position in the NFL?
C.J. Henderson was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Atlanta Falcons Release Veteran Cornerback
- Wikipedia: C. J. Henderson
- Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Henderson Signed
- Google Search: C.J. Henderson
- AJC: Falcons A.J. Terrell Is Week-to-Week
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta Falcons
- SI: Falcons Trying Out C.J. Henderson
- Google News: Atlanta Falcons
- Atlanta Falcons: Practice Squad Update
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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