South Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons' third and final preseason game has concluded, leading to the editorial team's last 53-man roster projection.

The NFL deadline for teams to meet the 53-man roster requirement is approaching: Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. After a winless exhibition season, possibly due to starters and most backups sitting out, the Falcons' management faces significant decisions. Atlanta released 13 players on Sunday, meaning another 24 names must still be cut.

Before official announcements, beat writer Terrin Waack provides a prediction of what the Falcons' 53-man roster will look like by Tuesday evening.

**OFFENSE**

**Quarterback (3)**

Kirk Cousins | Michael Penix Jr. | Taylor Heinicke

Waack explains that Taylor Heinicke's inclusion is due to the rule change regarding the emergency third quarterback this year. "That's not a risk I am willing to take," Waack states, thus including Heinicke alongside starter Kirk Cousins and backup Michael Penix Jr.

UPDATE (Monday, 12:20 p.m. ET): According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the NFLPA vetoed the revised emergency third quarterback rule. The rule reverted to its 2023 version requiring the emergency third quarterback to be on the 53-man roster.

**Running back (4)**

Bijan Robinson | Tyler Allgeier | Avery Williams | Jase McClellan

Waack expresses confidence in Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, and Avery Williams making the cut due to their performance and roles in special teams. Jase McClellan is chosen over Carlos Washington Jr., based on preseason performance and waiver considerations.

**Wide receiver (5)**

Drake London | Darnell Mooney | Ray-Ray McCloud III | KhaDarel Hodge | Casey Washington

The injury of Rondale Moore opened opportunities for Chris Blair; however, Waack ultimately leaves Blair off in favor of sixth-round draft pick Casey Washington for depth reasons.

**Tight end (3)**

Kyle Pitts | Charlie Woerner | Ross Dwelley

Kyle Pitts and Charlie Woerner are noted as key assets with different strengths. Ross Dwelley earns a spot over John FitzPatrick due to less preseason playtime indicating his secure position.

**Offensive line (8)**

Jake Matthews | Matthew Bergeron | Drew Dalman | Chris Lindstrom | Kaleb McGary | Ryan Neuzil | Kyle Hinton | Storm Norton

All five from last year's starting line return with additional nods given to guard Kyle Hinton and tackle Storm Norton based on strong preseason performances.

**DEFENSE**

**Defensive line (8)**

Grady Jarrett | David Onyemata | Ta'Quon Graham | Zach Harrison | Eddie Goldman| Kentavius Street| Ruke Orhorhoro| Brandon Dorlus

Waack joins colleagues in keeping eight defensive linemen despite initial skepticism. Eddie Goldman and Kentavius Street are highlighted for their impressive preseason showing.

**Outside linebacker (5)**

Matthew Judon| Lorenzo Carter| Arnold Ebiketie| James Smith-Williams| DeAngelo Malone

DeAngelo Malone is included primarily for his special teams contributions, unlike previous predictions by Tori McElhaney or Will McFadden.

**Inside linebacker (4)**

Kaden Elliss| Troy Andersen| Nate Landman| JD Bertrand

Health concerns surround Kaden Elliss and Nate Landman; however, JD Bertrand’s first-team reps provide assurance if they are unavailable by Week 1.

**Cornerback (6)**

A.J. Terrell| Mike Hughes| Dee Alford| Clark Phillips III| Antonio Hamilton Sr.| Kevin King

A.J. Terrell remains secure while Mike Hughes appears as Terrell's starting partner over Clark Phillips III who serves as a solid backup option.

**Safety (4)**

Jessie Bates III| Justin Simmons| Richie Grant| DeMarcco Hellams

With DeMarcco Hellams injured during preseason opener, Justin Simmons is expected to start alongside Jessie Bates III providing two strong backups in Grant and Hellams.

**SPECIAL TEAMS**

SPECIALISTS (3)

Kicker: Younghoe Koo Punter: Bradley Pinion Long snapper: Liam McCullough

Waack concludes that these three specialists are obvious choices without further commentary.