Tag

Atlanta Falcons

All articles tagged with #atlanta falcons

Za'Darius Smith Returns to NFL After Brief Retirement for Family
sports5 hours ago

Za'Darius Smith Returns to NFL After Brief Retirement for Family

Za’Darius Smith explained that he retired last season to be with his ailing mother, a move made to spend time with her during a difficult period. After her death and subsequent family losses, he returned to football with the Atlanta Falcons, turning down a Browns offer as the Falcons’ need and his family proximity to Alabama aligned with his return. He described football as his happy place and emphasized the family ties that influenced his decision.

Falcons weigh cut of Tua as Penix Jr. questions loom
sports11 hours ago

Falcons weigh cut of Tua as Penix Jr. questions loom

Falcons fans are debating whether to move on from Tua Tagovailoa after a rocky preseason, with talk that Atlanta could cut him in favor of Michael Penix Jr. or other younger options. Critics cite inconsistent play, a dropped snap, leadership concerns, and Tagovailoa’s injury history, while supporters say he remains a proven starter with upside. The piece notes that a trade or even retirement could be on the table, underscoring the broader debate about Tagovailoa’s fit and future.

Penix Takes on Heavy Reps in Falcons' Non-Contact Practice Ahead of Dolphins Preseason Showdown
sports2 days ago

Penix Takes on Heavy Reps in Falcons' Non-Contact Practice Ahead of Dolphins Preseason Showdown

Michael Penix Jr. logged a heavy workload in Monday’s Falcons practice, though the session was non-padded with no contact; Atlanta is managing his workload ahead of the preseason finale vs. the Dolphins, while coach Stefanski emphasized getting Penix in the huddle and continuing his development. Penix connected with Pitts and Drake London, showed mobility when pressured, and the staff stressed immediate corrections as they evaluate QB depth for the regular season.

Bijan Robinson shines as Falcons excel in Day 1 of Falcons-Colts joint practice
sports6 days ago

Bijan Robinson shines as Falcons excel in Day 1 of Falcons-Colts joint practice

Day 1 of the Falcons-Colts joint practices at Grand Park Sports Complex was high-energy. Tua Tagovailoa led the Falcons’ first-team reps with a mix of positives and mistakes (sacks, a fumble, and a pick-6); Bijan Robinson looked dominant on offense, Drake London made a highlight-reel catch, and AJ Terrell rebounded after a lapse. The Falcons’ receivers and tight ends appear dangerous if quarterback play improves; rookie Kendal Daniels impressed on defense, while Colts’ Daniel Jones went 15-for-15 against Atlanta’s defense. Stefanski was slated to speak later and practice began at 3 p.m. ET.

Za’Darius Smith Makes NFL Return with Falcons, Reuniting With Stefanski
philadelphia-eagles-news8 days ago

Za’Darius Smith Makes NFL Return with Falcons, Reuniting With Stefanski

Za’Darius Smith returns to the NFL on a one-year Falcons deal after briefly retiring with the Eagles last season, reuniting with his former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta as the Falcons seek edge-rush help following the James Pearce Jr. suspension; the Eagles had previously held his rights but moved on earlier this year.

Falcons' Pearce Jr. receives eight-game NFL suspension after arrest
sports11 days ago

Falcons' Pearce Jr. receives eight-game NFL suspension after arrest

The NFL suspended Falcons pass rusher James Pearce Jr. for eight games after a February arrest in a domestic-dispute case involving his then-girlfriend; although most charges were resolved via a pre-trial intervention, the league still deemed a violation of its personal conduct policy. Pearce will miss the first half of the season, leaving Atlanta to deploy a reshuffled edge group led by Azeez Ojulari, Samson Ebukam, Brandon Dorlus, Cameron Thomas, Bralen Trice, and potentially Harold Perkins Jr. as they open without him.

Webb shines as Broncos open preseason with decisive win under Payton
sports11 days ago

Webb shines as Broncos open preseason with decisive win under Payton

Denver routed Atlanta 27-7 in the first 2026 preseason game, with Davis Webb commanding a smooth sequence of drives and showing the kind of rhythm Payton wants from his backup QB. Webb’s quick timing, smart reads and clear leadership helped Denver post 360 rushing/yardage advantages and multiple scoring opportunities, while Jarrett Stidham provided a solid first-half showing. The defense forced punts and two takeaways, including Jahdae Barron’s 98-yard pick-six, signaling regular-season readiness. Rookie Jonah Coleman impressed with four carries for 24 yards, aligning with Payton’s plan to lean on a faster, more competitive offense. Payton stressed the importance of resetting when plays stall and hinted Webb could start handling radio calls into Bo Nix next week, underscoring the overall message: preseason wins matter for development and culture-building as Denver looks to carry momentum into the regular season.

NFL opens season with four suspensions, Pearce Jr. hit with eight-game ban
sports11 days ago

NFL opens season with four suspensions, Pearce Jr. hit with eight-game ban

NFL suspensions open the season with four players: James Pearce Jr. eight games for personal conduct; Phidarian Mathis three games for substance abuse; Nazeeh Johnson six games for PEDs; Dorance Armstrong Jr. one game for personal conduct; all begin Aug. 30 with varying reinstatement dates. Two high-profile cases—Josh Jacobs and Puka Nacua—are not suspended but under NFL review.

Tagovailoa commits to improvement after rough Falcons preseason debut
sports11 days ago

Tagovailoa commits to improvement after rough Falcons preseason debut

Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said his preseason opener was not up to standard and took ownership of the mistakes, noting rough start on the first drive and a snap issue. He completed 3 of 5 passes for 22 yards as Atlanta punted on both possessions, and he expressed a hope to play in the remaining two preseason games to get more live reps with his new team.

Tua’s Falcons Preseason Debut Struggles Against Broncos
sports12 days ago

Tua’s Falcons Preseason Debut Struggles Against Broncos

Tua Tagovailoa started Atlanta’s preseason game vs. Denver, going 3-of-5 for 22 yards with no TDs or INTs over two opening drives as the Falcons trailed early and faced heavy pressure from Denver’s defense. He’s competing with Michael Penix Jr. for Atlanta’s starting QB job, with Penix still not cleared after ACL rehab. The Falcons’ next preseason game is vs. the Colts on Aug. 22.

Falcons DE Pearce Jr. hit with eight-game NFL suspension
sports12 days ago

Falcons DE Pearce Jr. hit with eight-game NFL suspension

The NFL suspended Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. for eight games under the Personal Conduct Policy after a February domestic-violence incident; Pearce entered a diversion program, will be eligible for preseason activities, the suspension runs from August 30 with reinstatement on November 2, and the league later said the suspension is final with no appeal.