Atlanta Falcons: Injury Misfortune and Roster Decisions

The Atlanta Falcons traveled to Miami this week to find answers to roster composition questions. However, an injury to wide receiver Rondale Moore during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday has raised additional questions. Moore, who was acquired this offseason from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for quarterback Desmond Ridder, was placed on the season-ending injured reserve on Thursday due to a knee injury sustained during Wednesday's practice. This development complicates the decision about which receivers will make the roster, and potentially the selection of running backs as well. Until Moore's injury, it seemed likely that Carlos Washington Jr., who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and spent last year on the practice squad, had a good chance of being included as the fourth running back on the 53-man roster, ahead of Avery Williams. But Moore's absence makes Williams more valuable since the fourth-year Falcon can perform the same kickoff return duties as Moore. Williams, a fifth-round pick in 2021, missed last season due to a torn ACL but led the NFL in punt return average (16.9 yards per return) in 2022. Naturally, Moore's loss also raises questions within the wide receiver group. The Falcons are likely to keep six receivers, and the first five—Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, KhaDarel Hodge, and Casey Washington—seem secure. However, there is no clear favorite for the sixth position, making Friday night's game against the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium particularly interesting. The Falcons must finalize their roster decisions by August 27. Today, we make our first prediction of what the roster will look like at the start of the season, with the caveat that Atlanta could still add veterans in the cornerback and wide receiver areas. Last season, the Falcons held three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster to take advantage of the emergency quarterback position on game days. This year, however, the team might try to trade Taylor Heinicke and stash a young quarterback on the practice squad. As for the running backs, Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are expected to take on the bulk of the offensive workload, but Jase McClellan, a sixth-round pick this year, can immediately contribute to special teams, while Williams is listed as the starting kickoff returner. If there is one position group to watch in Friday night's game, it is the wide receivers. Players like James Washington need to rediscover their old form to compete against younger players, while the Falcons might start the season with only five receivers, which seems unlikely. The tight end group might begin the season with just three players, depending on concerns over a backup plan for Pitts' position on game days. The offensive line shows remarkable continuity both in the starting lineup and among the reserves. The defensive line has a lot of potential, and the coaching staff has high expectations. The versatility of the group also provides the Falcons with flexibility, as some players can switch between the defensive line and linebacker. Ultimately, there is little drama regarding the safety positions, and the special teams unit remains unchanged with familiar faces.