Several Atlanta Falcons players made an impression during the team’s second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday. The contest followed a week of joint practices between the two teams.
Most of Atlanta’s starters did not play, but the game offered insight into which players may secure spots on the final 53-man roster.
Natrone Brooks continued to stand out, building on his strong performances in practice with another solid showing in the game. Before Clark Phillips III’s rib injury, Brooks was already emerging as a leading candidate for outside cornerback behind starters A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes. He played with the first-team defense during joint practices and was tested as the first corner off the bench. In Friday’s game, Brooks intercepted a pass in the second quarter and returned it 33 yards after pressure from James Pearce Jr. and Kentavius Street forced a hurried throw.
David Sills V also drew attention despite limited playing time on Friday night. Sills has been a standout during training camp and has worked with the first-team offense in recent joint practices, either substituting for Drake London or playing alongside him in bigger receiver sets. The team’s decision to limit his snaps suggests he is likely to make the roster.
Running back Nathan Carter delivered several notable plays, including a 43-yard touchdown run early in the second half. Carter had another significant gain earlier that was negated by a holding penalty on Dylan Drummond. With Carlos Washington Jr. sidelined by a hamstring injury and missing both preseason games so far, Carter is making a case for himself as depth at running back.
Concerns remain about offensive tackle depth after penalties disrupted offensive momentum early in Friday’s game. Elijah Wilkinson committed false starts while Jack Nelson was flagged for holding penalties. Wilkinson played left tackle for the first time this preseason after previously working at left guard, as Atlanta looks to build depth at tackle due to Storm Norton’s ongoing lower body injury. Head coach Raheem Morris said on August 13 there is no timeline for Norton’s return.
The performance of Easton Stick was mixed; he managed some positive plays including a quarterback keeper and a 52-yard touchdown pass to Chris Blair, but also threw an interception that was returned for a Titans touchdown and nearly threw another that was erased by offsetting penalties. Stick finished 19-of-32 passing for 173 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
The Falcons will continue evaluating their roster ahead of final cuts later this month.
