FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons open the 2024 NFL season at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 8 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Adding edge rusher Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons in the past two weeks changed the face of the team's 53-man roster, pushing out a pair of players who probably did enough to make the team. The Falcons also lost three key players to lengthy injuries during a horror-show week in Miami. It's worth watching to see if Atlanta opts to trade veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke to a team in need of a reliable backup.
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET Tuesday. Here is a projection for the Falcons:
QUARTERBACKS (3): Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr., Taylor Heinicke
The Falcons got their quarterbacks of the present (Cousins) and future (Penix) in the offseason. Both played well during training camp, with Cousins looking sharp in his recovery from a torn right Achilles. Heinicke could be a steady veteran voice in the room or trade bait.
RUNNING BACKS (4): Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Avery Williams, Jase McClellan
Robinson and Allgeier will each get starting reps this season, though new Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has been coy about exactly how they'll share duties. Williams is a trusted return man. McClellan, a rookie sixth-round pick, seems likely to beat out Carlos Washington Jr. in a close race.
WIDE RECEIVERS (5): Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud III, KhaDarel Hodge, Casey Washington
This group took a big hit when Rondale Moore, who was acquired in an offseason trade, went down with a season-ending leg injury during a joint practice against the Dolphins. He would have been the team's fourth wide receiver. Washington, a rookie sixth-round pick, has stepped up, and Hodge is valuable on special teams.
TIGHT ENDS (3): Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, Ross Dwelley
Pitts is almost like another receiver, though he has been working hard on his blocking. Woerner's main role will be blocking, and Dwelley, another addition from the San Francisco 49ers, like Woerner, can do a bit of both.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (8): Chris Lindstrom, Jake Matthews, Drew Dalman, Kaleb McGary, Matthew Bergeron, Storm Norton, Ryan Neuzil, Kyle Hinton
One of the biggest strengths of the team, the Falcons have a ton of continuity here. Lindstrom is one of the best guards in the league. Matthews is a stalwart left tackle who has been around since the Matt Ryan days, and Bergeron is expected to break out at left guard in his second year.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (8): Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, Zach Harrison, Ta'Quon Graham, Eddie Goldman, Kentavius Street, Ruke Orhorhoro, Brandon Dorlus
Coach Raheem Morris said he might go heavy in numbers here, and that seems likely. Jarrett and Onyemata are strong on the interior, where the 6-foot-6 Harrison could break out in Year 2 after moving from end. Graham, Goldman and Street all made plays in training camp, and rookies Orhorhoro and Dorlus showed promise for the future (or sooner).
LINEBACKERS (9): Matthew Judon, Arnold Ebiketie, Lorenzo Carter, James Smith-Williams, Kaden Elliss, Nate Landman, Troy Andersen, JD Bertrand, DeAngelo Malone
Judon, Ebiketie, Carter and Harris will rush from the edge, with Smith-Williams expected to do that and play the run. Elliss, Landman and Andersen will rotate on the inside, and rookie fifth-round pick Bertrand has more than proved himself as a cog. Malone is a playmaker on special teams.
CORNERBACKS (6): A.J. Terrell, Mike Hughes, Dee Alford, Clark Phillips III, Antonio Hamilton Sr., Natrone Brooks
Terrell is the top corner. Hughes has been opposite him, with Alford in the nickel. Phillips has run neck and neck with Hughes as the second corner. King and Hamilton are veterans who have made a ton of plays in camp against the first-team offense. Brooks played great in the preseason. Anthony Johnson would be a tough cut here, but not everyone can make it.
SAFETIES (4): Jessie Bates III, Justin Simmons, Richie Grant, Kevin King
When training camp started, Grant and DeMarcco Hellams were battling for the second safety role after Bates, one of the best in the league. Hellams is out with an ankle injury for a "significant amount" of time, per Morris, and Simmons, a Pro Bowler, has been added. Hellams will make the 53-man most likely but then immediately go on IR. King is a veteran who can play safety and corner.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3): K Younghoe Koo, P Bradley Pinion, LS Liam McCullough
Koo missed three field goals in the second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, but there aren't any worries about one of the most consistent kickers in the league. Pinion is a former Super Bowl champion punter.