Atlanta Fortress: Roberts return and a flurry of Falcons depth moves as the opener with Tampa Bay looms. Sam Roberts comes off the Panthers’ practice squad to bolster the interior, while David Sills V, Simeon Barrow Jr, and Carlos Washington Jr shuffle on and off the active roster and practice squad. The Falcons also rotate Sills and Washington onto the active roster for game day, keeping Barrow on the practice squad for added versatility.

The moves underline Atlanta’s emphasis on improving run defense and positional flexibility within a tight week-before-game window, with a handful of veterans and undrafted players-in-waiting providing immediate depth for a crucial Week 1 clash against the Buccaneers.

Falcons' 2025 opening depth chart surprised as Atlanta kept 52 players after trading a 2027 seventh-round pick to Seattle for Michael Jerrell, creating flexibility with Kaleb McGary on IR and Storm Norton returning designation.

Five notable moves stood out: three safeties kept while Jordan Fuller was cut; Easton Stick released as Kirk Cousins backs Michael Penix Jr.; undrafted Nate Cater earned a spot behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier; Darnell Mooney anchored a 7-wide-receiver group with Casey Washington and David Sills also in; Feleipe Franks earned the TE role. Jerrell trade preserves flexibility for Week 1 and beyond.

Nick Nash headlines Atlanta's final preseason audition, catching six passes for 87 yards to reinforce his roster case while Chris Blair, Casey Washington, David Sills and Dylan Drummond all contribute in the Falcons’ receiver shuffle.

Feleipe Franks flashes at tight end with a leaping TD, Easton Stick steadies the third unit at quarterback, and Younghoe Koo appears to have secured kick duties after a 2-for-3 night. Offensive line concerns linger with Kaleb McGary and Storm Norton sidelined, Jack Nelson stepping in at right tackle, and questions about the RT position if McGary misses time.

On the other side, Dallas’ Joe Milton III leads the Cowboys with both a passing TD and a rushing score, while Elijah Dotson rumbles for 74 yards in Atlanta’s ground game. Atlanta must trim to 53 by Tuesday; roster battles at WR and OL dominate the chatter as the Falcons weigh depth options and potential free-agent fits.

Atlanta's Friday night clash with Tennessee ended 23-20 in a preseason thriller, with the Falcons resting most starters but still delivering a wave of roster auditions. Undrafted free agent Nate Carter totaled 63 yards on nine carries, including a 43-yard TD that sparked a late spark. Chris Blair added a 52-yard TD grab to knot the game. On defense, Simeon Barrow Jr. dominated with a 89.5 PFF grade, while James Pearce Jr. continued to flash on the edge. Raheem Morris even offered a hopeful update on Jalon Walker, who tweaked his groin but is expected back next week.

The Falcons’ offense found a gear in the third quarter, scoring 17 points to flip the game’s momentum before Tennessee steadied. David Sills turned in a 90.8 PFF score on six snaps, underscoring how depth players can shine in limited action. With UDFA and late-round talent driving the effort, Atlanta’s roster battles took center stage as final cuts approach.