ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS

Catches on with Atlanta The Falcons signed Rourke to a contract Thursday, Terrin Waack of the team's official site reports.

Impact After being let go by the Giants on Sunday, Rourke managed to catch on with the Falcons, who released John Paddock in a corresponding move. Rourke will use training camp as an opportunity to compete against Taylor Heinicke for the emergency quarterback role behind presumptive starter Kirk Cousins and 2024 eighth-overall pick Michael Penix.

AUGUST 1 • ROTOWIRE

Getting looks in prominent role Smith-Williams has been getting first teams reps during training camp, Amna Subhan of the Falcons' official site reports.

Impact Smith-Williams signed with Atlanta in April after spending the first four years of his career in Washington. Originally considered a depth signing, after recording seven sacks in 55 career games, the Falcons seem to have higher expectations for the 27-year-old.

AUGUST 1 • ROTOWIRE

2024 NFL Power Rankings: Where every team stands entering the preseason

With the 2024 preseason kicking off, David Helman sorts out the NFL's hierarchy coming out of the offseason.

AUGUST 1

Arthur Blank: Kirk Cousins is Falcons' 'franchise' QB, Michael Penix 'extraordinary talent'

Falcons owner Arthur Blank explained his perspective on the Falcons adding both veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Michael Penix Jr.

JULY 31

Back at practice Ali (ankle) participated in drills at the Falcons' training camp Tuesday.

Impact Ali missed the entire 2023 season due to an ankle injury, but he appears to be fully healthy. He was able to make the Falcons' 53-man roster last year, and he'll look to do so again as a depth wide receiver.

JULY 30 • ROTOWIRE

Falcons owner Arthur Blank says optimism is increased by new names atop the QB depth chart

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank says having new names atop the quarterback depth chart is among the reasons he is “more optimistic than I’ve been in several years” about his tea...

JULY 30 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Could be in timeshare again Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said Tuesday that Robinson's backfield mate Tyler Allgeier will "have a big role" and be leaned on at "certain points" during the season,...

Impact Allgeier's significant role last year was a big factor in Robinson's rookie season being a disappointment from a fantasy standpoint, with the former taking just 28 fewer carries than the latter (186 to 214) despite playing less than half as many snaps (360 to 771). The rushing split figures to shift more toward Robinson now that he's not a rookie and isn't coached by Arthur Smith, but it sounds like the extent of that change won't automatically be what fantasy players are hoping for when they select Bijan in the first round of a draft. That said, it's reasonable enough to bet on his talent winning out over whatever the initial plan might be, considering Robinson is an eighth overall draft pick who scored 41 TDs in 31 college games and ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at 215 pounds.

JULY 30 • ROTOWIRE

Jordan Love, Saquon Barkley headline NFL’s riskiest contracts this offseason

After an offseason of record-breaking deals, we break down the contracts that could put the most pressure on NFL teams going forward.

JULY 30

Ticketed for big role again Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said Tuesday that Allgeier "certainly is going to have a big role" again, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Impact It's not what Bijan Robinson drafters want to hear, following a rookie season in which the 2023 eighth overall pick got only 28 more carries (214 to 186) than his backfield mate. Allgeier wasn't as efficient as he had been during his own rookie season the year prior, dropping from 4.9 yards per carry in 2022 to 3.7 YPC in 2023, but it sounds like the new coaching staff in Atlanta nonetheless views him as a big part of their plan on offense. While the workload figures to shift more in Robinson's favor this year, it might not be quite to the extent people are hoping for when they use a first-round fantasy pick on the 22-year-old.

JULY 30 • ROTOWIRE

Kirk Cousins: Vikings were 'very unlikely' to draft QB if he re-signed

Contrary to reports, Kirk Cousins said that the Vikings never told him they would draft a quarterback in the first round, even if he stayed...

JULY 30

Inks deal with Atlanta The Falcons signed Matthews on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Impact Matthews impressed the Texans after going undrafted last offseason, but he unfortunately tore his ACL and missed all of 2023. The San Diego State product has now made a full recovery from his ACL tear and has agreed to terms with Atlanta following a successful workout. Expect Matthews to compete for a depth role in the Falcons' wide receiver room as the offseason progresses.

JULY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Set to join Falcons The Falcons are slated to sign Washington, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Impact Washington last saw NFL regular-season action with the Cowboys in 2022, but the 2018 second-rounder did manage to record 114 catches for 1,629 yards and 11 TDs over four years with the Steelers (2018-21). With the Falcons, the 28-year-old will compete for depth slotting in a wideout corps currently led by Drake London and Darnell Mooney that also includes Ray-Ray McCloud, Rondale Moore and KhaDarel Hodge.

JULY 29 • ROTOWIRE

16 Highest-paid NFL QBs: Where does Patrick Mahomes rank after deal?

Patrick Mahomes is no longer one of the ten highest-paid QBs on an annual basis, but he doesn't "necessarily" feel underpaid.

JULY 29

Secondary role to start camp Phillips is working with the second-team defense to start training camp, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Impact Phillips earned a starting role as a rookie last year, posting 26 tackles and four pass defenses over the final five weeks. However, he's operating behind Mike Hughes to start training camp. Hughes mostly worked out of the slot last year. Phillips' role may fluctuate, but Kendall also noted that Atlanta could be in the market for a free-agent cornerback, noting Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, Adoree' Jackson and J.C. Jackson are all still available.

JULY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Working with second team King is working with the second-team defense to start training camp, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Impact King started 42 games for the Packers in five years but hasn't played since 2021 due to multiple devastating injuries. It looks like the 2017 second-round pick is getting a chance to prove he's worth a roster spot, but Kendall added that the Falcons may still be in the market for a free-agent cornerback, mentioning Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, Adoree' Jackson and J.C. Jackson are all still available.

JULY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Working at outside CB Hughes is the starting cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell to begin training camp, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Impact Hughes is working ahead of second-year CB Clark Phillips and veteran Kevin King, but Kendall added the Falcons may be in the market for a free-agent cornerback, noting Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, Adoree' Jackson and J.C. Jackson are all still available. Hughes operated mostly as a slot cornerback while mixing in some return duties last year, his first in Atlanta.

JULY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Working with starters Grant is working with the starters to begin training camp, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Impact Grant was productive in 2023, recording 100-plus tackles for a second straight season. However, he struggled to cover tight ends and lost snaps to DeMarcco Hellams to end the campaign. With HC Raheem Morris establishing a new defensive scheme, Grant is getting another chance to solidify himself as the starter, but it's still early in the offseason, so things are subject to change.

JULY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Getting regular first-team work McCloud has been getting regular first-team snaps and "seems to have the inside track on the slot receiver role" in Atlanta's offense, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi reports.

Impact Multiple Atlanta beat reporters have McCloud working ahead of Rondale Moore, not only during training camp but dating back to spring practices. It sounds like McCloud has even seen a good number of targets from Kirk Cousins, including passes deep downfield. That's somewhat surprising given that McCloud played for four different teams over the past six seasons and amassed more punt returns (138) and kickoff returns (108) than receptions (90). He did have a couple stints as a No. 3 receiver, including most of the 2021 season in Pittsburgh and a chunk of 2022 for the 49ers. There's a good chance McCloud factors in on punt/kick returns even if he's a significant part of Atlanta's offense.

JULY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Mostly repping with backups Ray-Ray McCloud seems to have the "inside track" over Moore to be Atlanta's slot receiver, Marc Raimondi of ESPN reports.

Impact McCloud got a lot of first-team snaps throughout the offseason program and is now getting most of the slot work with Kirk Cousins and the starting offense during the first week of training camp. Moore, meanwhile, reportedly has been one of Michael Penix's favorite targets on the second-string offense, which suggests the 5-foot-7 receiver is at least making a case to earn more reps with the starters. There's still plenty of time for things to change, but it's not a great sign for Moore that he's currently behind a veteran journeyman like McCloud who is mostly known for returning punts and kicks.

JULY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Falcons show off new players, healthy dose of optimism, in practice at high school in front of fans

The Atlanta Falcons showed off their new players — and a healthy dose of optimism — in front of fans

JULY 27 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Clear of cramping London (overheating/leg cramps) returned for the evening portion of Friday's practice, William McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Impact London departed the morning portion of practice Friday after he experienced leg cramps and overheating. However, the wideout was able to return for the evening walkthrough, suggesting that he's clear of any concerns. This year's training camp is particularly important for London as he looks to build a rapport with new starting quarterback Kirk Cousins.

JULY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Jayden Daniels says it's 'not a problem' not to be named the Commanders' starting QB yet

Jayden Daniels says he is not bothered by Dan Quinn not yet naming him the Washington Commanders' starting quarterback

JULY 26 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Falcons offensive line knows protecting Cousins is vital to team's hopes for a winning season

Protecting the quarterback will be more important than ever for the Atlanta Falcons with Kirk Cousins taking snaps

JULY 26 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Leaves practice due to overheating London left Friday's practice because of cramps and overheating, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Impact There was briefly concern about an injury when London made an early exit and was seen talking with trainers. It turns out he just needs rest and water, so it shouldn't be long before he's back to building chemistry with new starting quarterback Kirk Cousins.

JULY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Exits practice with injury London left Friday's practice with an apparent injury, ESPN's Marc Raimondi reports.

Impact Initial reports don't make it sound too serious, with London reportedly walking off the field and spending some time talking to trainers. His day is likely done, but it's unclear at this point if Atlanta's top WR will miss any additional practices.

JULY 26 • ROTOWIRE