Falcons enter a bye at 2-2 after a 34-27 win over Washington, with reinforcements from IR to shape the second half. The window to activate Troy Andersen, Bralen Trice, Ta'Quon Graham, and Storm Norton gives Atlanta options to bolster linebacker speed, edge presence, and interior depth, while A.J. Terrell and Darnell Mooney look to return and restore impact on defense and the receiver corps. A tough Monday-night test vs. Buffalo looms, demanding careful rotation management as depth pieces are integrated.

With the Bills at 4-0 visiting Atlanta, the bye provides time to reallocate snaps and reintroduce key players. The Falcons will lean on depth to weather the Bills’ efficient attack, while Ulbrich’s unit can experiment with personnel in pass-rush and run-stopping roles. The upcoming schedule emphasizes balancing rest with incremental increases in role clarity for the IR returnees and the returning starters.

Falcons sign Hayes and Warren to the practice squad as McGary lands on IR and Norton goes on IR with a return designation, creating a swift need for tackle depth ahead of Week 1 versus Tampa Bay. The club also adds Easton Stick at QB and Cobee Bryant to the practice squad, signaling immediate competition on the line and depth elsewhere while they prep for the new season.

Penix Jr. enters Atlanta as the Falcons’ undisputed starter, but Kaleb McGary’s season-ending injury tests the new-look protection around him. Norton is out 6-8 weeks, Wilkinson stepped in, and Atlanta added Michael Jerrell from Seattle to shore up the right side. The line’s shift shapes Penix’s Week 1 upside and fantasy value as the Falcons lean on a potentially elevated passing attack if the protection holds up.

The roster move cadence and the trade acquisition signal a heavy emphasis on safeguarding Penix while the rest of the offense adapts to new blocking realities. Expect early-line movement on Falcons pass-heavier concepts, with Jerrell and Wilkinson likely sharing snaps as McGary’s replacement grows into the role.