We now know who will be on the field when the Atlanta Falcons start their 2024-25 season.
The team released its initial (meaning it could change between now and opening day) 53-man roster late this afternoon. Per NFL rules they and other teams have to announce who will make up the almost-final roster. Who made the team, and who did not.
The Dirty Birds will have THREE quarterbacks this year: newcomers Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr., and veteran Taylor Heinicke (Update 8/28: They will only have two as Heinicke was traded to the San Diego Chargers for a conditional six-round draft pick). They will have four running backs led by Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, five wide receivers, and three tight ends, including Kyle Pitts, whom the Falcons are hoping for more fireworks this year after seeing him working with Cousins and Penix Jr. in practice.
There are nine on the offensive line including vets Jake Matthews and Chris Lindstrom. A returning and well-rested Grady Jarrett leads the nine-member strong defense. There are four outside linebackers, four inside linebackers, five cornerbacks, four safeties, and three special team members including kicker Younghoe Koo, punter Bradley Pinion, and long snapper Liam McCullough.
The following are those who made the initial 53-man roster released by the Falcons today. Changes could be made to this list in the future.
THE ATLANTA FALCONS INITIAL 53-MAN ROSTER
Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr., Taylor Heinicke
Running backs
Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Avery Williams, Jase McClellan
Wide receivers
Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud III, KhaDarel Hodge, Casey Washington
Tight ends
Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, Ross Dwelley
Offensive line
Jake Matthews, Matthew Bergeron, Drew Dalman, Chris Lindstrom, Kaleb McGary, Ryan Neuzil, Kyle Hinton, Storm Norton, Jovaughn Gwyn
Defensive line
Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, Ta’Quon Graham, Zach Harrison, Eddie Goldman, Kentavius Street, Ruke Orhorhoro, Barndon, Dorlus, James Smith-Williams
Outside linebackers
Matthew Judon, Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone
Inside linebackers
Kaden Elliss, Troy Andersen, Nate Landman, JD Bertrand
Cornerbacks
A.J. Terrell, Mike Hughes, Dee Alford, Clark Phililps III, Antonio Hamilton Sr.
Safety
Jessie Bates III, Justin Simmons, Richie Grant, Micah Abernathy
Special teams
Younghoe Koo (kicker), Bradley Pinion (punter), Liam McCullough (Long snapper)
Released
Twenty-two players did not make the cut. Most surprising cuts included cornerback Kevin King, who impressed many observers earlier in practice and led many to think he earned a spot on the roster. Defensive tackle Zion Logue also missed the roster despite making an impression on team watchers during training camp. Other key shockers include DL Demone Harris, RB Carlos Washington Jr., and CB Natrone Brooks.
Besides the earlier mentioned, this year’s cuts are WR Chris Blair, RB Spencer Brown, WR Dylan Drummond, DT Prince Emili, TE John FitzPatrick, WR O.J. Hiliare, CB Anthony Johnson, DL LaCale London, WR Jesse Matthews, CB Jayden Price, OL Andrew Stueber, S Tre Tarpley III, DL Tommy Togiai, OL Barry Wesley, S Dane Cruikshank, OL Julien Davenport, and DL Kenny Oginni.
Many of these players that were cut today along with several others cut Sunday, could join the Falcons Practice Squad, which the Falcons can sign starting Wendesday at 12 PM. Others could be free to be signed to other NFL teams.
In addition to the above announcements, two players are on the waived or injured list: IL Milo Eifler and S Josh Thompson. S DeMarco Hellams is on the injured reserve list but is slated to return to active play this season.
The Falcons first game is Sunday, September 8, against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Image credit: Atlanta Falcons