Falcons sideline A.J. Terrell for season, sign Zach Harrison

Key points

• A.J. Terrell was placed on injured reserve after suffering a groin injury during the Week 2 loss to the Carolina Panthers; he was also evaluated for a concussion but cleared of that diagnosis.
• The Falcons signed defensive lineman Zach Harrison to the active roster to replace Terrell, having previously waived him during August cutdowns.
• Veteran cornerback C.J. Henderson is expected to start opposite Mike Hughes, though analysts note a likely drop-off in coverage quality against elite receivers.
• Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and right tackle Jawaan Taylor returned to full participation in practice, providing stability for the backup quarterback and offensive line roles.
• The Falcons also released center James Brockermeyer and signed offensive tackle Colby Sorsdal to the practice squad as part of the roster adjustments.

Background

The Falcons began the 2026 season with a 0-2 record, struggling with quarterback consistency after Michael Penix Jr. missed the first two games. In late August, the team waived Zach Harrison during roster cuts, signaling uncertainty about his health and role. The current injury crisis follows a Week 2 loss to the Carolina Panthers, where the defense struggled to contain opponents. The team is now looking to stabilize its roster ahead of a primetime matchup against the Green Bay Packers, hoping that the return of key players like Tagovailoa and Taylor can offset the loss of their top cornerback.

How outlets are covering it

The Falcoholic emphasizes the severity of losing A.J. Terrell, noting that the team's defensive line has been 'better than expected' and that Harrison's return is a positive sign for interior pass rush. They express concern that the drop-off in cornerback play will be significant against premier wide receivers. NBC Sports provides a more clinical breakdown of the injury, confirming that Terrell's issue was a groin injury rather than a concussion, and details the specific roster moves including the release of James Brockermeyer. The official Atlanta Falcons injury report highlights the positive news regarding Tua Tagovailoa and Jawaan Taylor, framing the week's updates as a mix of setbacks and recoveries. ESPN was unable to provide content due to a server error, so no perspective could be synthesized from that source.

Why it matters

The loss of A.J. Terrell, a key defensive playmaker, significantly impacts the Falcons' ability to defend against top-tier passing attacks, particularly in a critical Thursday Night Football game. The team's 0-2 start and ongoing quarterback issues make every roster move crucial. The return of Zach Harrison and the health updates on Tua Tagovailoa and Jawaan Taylor suggest the team is attempting to stabilize its roster and improve its chances of securing its first win of the season.

What to watch

The Falcons will face the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night, with Michael Penix Jr. starting at quarterback. C.J. Henderson will likely start at cornerback opposite Mike Hughes. The team will monitor the health of Tua Tagovailoa and Jawaan Taylor to determine if they can contribute in the game. The Falcons will also evaluate the impact of Zach Harrison's return on the defensive line and assess the performance of their new cornerback pairing.