Tori McElhaney has released her first 53-man roster projection for the Atlanta Falcons, noting that this year’s selection process is more challenging than in previous years. Key injuries to several players, including Darnell Mooney (shoulder), Troy Andersen (knee, PUP), Storm Norton (lower body), Clark Phillips III (rib), and Carlos Washington Jr. (hamstring), have made predictions difficult.
McElhaney explains, “For starters, there are some key injuries to significant pieces of the rosters, and I don’t have enough information on to know if they’ll be ready to go Week 1. I am talking about Darnell Mooney (shoulder), Troy Andersen (knee, PUP), Storm Norton (lower body), Clark Phillips III (rib) and Carlos Washington Jr. (hamstring), just to name a few.”
She also cites close competition among position groups as a factor: “Secondarily, the competition among players in position groups with a high-carry rate on the 53-man — think receiver, defensive line, defensive back — is a little too close to call right now. With two preseason games still left to play (one of which we’ll see this evening), I think there are more than enough opportunities for players to emerge and establish themselves a spot on the roster.”
The projected offense includes three quarterbacks: Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins, and Easton Stick. McElhaney highlights Stick’s performance against the Detroit Lions as justification for his inclusion: “After his performance against the Detroit Lions last Friday night, there was no way I am leaving Stick off this roster to get poached by another team. Absolutely not if you still consider a world in which the Falcons view Cousins as a tradeable asset down the road. I’m just saying… if that comes to pass, you’ll need a true backup. Stick showed last Friday he can be that if the need arises.”
Running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier make the list, with Carlos Washington Jr., who is recovering from injury, noted as a tough cut.
At wide receiver, six players are included: Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, KhaDarel Hodge, Casey Washington, and Jamal Agnew. David Sills V is listed as another tough cut but remains under consideration depending on future moves or injuries.
On tight ends and offensive line selections—Kyle Pitts leads at tight end with Charlie Woerner and Teagan Quitoriano; Feleipe Franks is mentioned as someone who often finds his way onto initial rosters despite being omitted from projections. The offensive line features Jake Matthews through Jovaughn Gwyn; uncertainty around Storm Norton’s health could affect final decisions.
Defensively, eight interior linemen are projected due to heavy rotation during training camp practices led by Nate Ollie. Edge rushers include Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie among others; Khalid Kareem is seen as likely practice squad material unless claimed elsewhere.
Inside linebacker choices hinge partly on Troy Andersen’s status under PUP rules—if activated before preseason ends but not fully recovered he would miss at least four games without necessarily being placed on IR.
Six cornerbacks are listed while Clark Phillips III’s injury complicates his chances; recent signing C.J. Henderson did not make McElhaney’s list since he has yet to participate in practice reps for Atlanta.
Safety positions appear settled since early in training camp with Jessie Bates III joined by Xavier Watts, Jordan Fuller and DeMarcco Hellams.
Special teams selections include kicker Younghoe Koo, punter Bradley Pinion and long snapper Liam McCullough; international player Lenny Kreig does not count toward the 53-man limit.
McElhaney concludes that adjustments will likely occur after further preseason action and once player health statuses become clearer.
