The Atlanta Falcons used their early Week 5 bye to address a series of injuries affecting the roster. The team had 18 players dealing with various injury situations in Week 4, including eight listed on the injury report and several others who sustained injuries during the game against the Washington Commanders.
Head coach Raheem Morris did not provide updates on injured players before the break but said, “I’ve got my medical meeting coming up here in a little bit. I’ll probably have more after that. Be way more informative next week when we get back. But I have to go check on Storm (Norton), check on all those guys obviously on the IR. Obviously, you potentially could open up a couple of those windows coming up here shortly after the four weeks are up. … So, we’ll get a feel where they’re all at.” Morris is expected to address the media again on Tuesday.
Among those injured during Week 4 were wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who left the game in the third quarter with a hamstring injury after playing 29 offensive snaps and recording one catch for 15 yards. Morris commented, “I don’t know anything about Mooney other than we’ll have to see from this week. Obviously, he left yesterday with the hamstring. So, we’ll see. I don’t know how bad it was, but I don’t think it’s something too bad. But we’ll get a check. I’ll get a feel for it later.” Mooney previously missed time due to a shoulder injury suffered in training camp.
Cornerback Natrone Brooks also exited in Week 4 after suffering a concussion during special teams play. Morris said, “I just seen him walking around the locker room with his son. Those are always good signs. I got a chance to hug his son. His son hugged me back, so that was awesome. Brooks was in there. He’s in good spirits, so we’ll see where he is from a health standpoint and all those things.”
Other notable injuries included A.J. Terrell Jr., who missed Week 4 due to a hamstring issue; KhaDarel Hodge (groin); and Nate Carter (hamstring). Morris expressed hope about Terrell’s return: “Hoping that we can get A.J. back after this bye. Another week of rest for him and get a chance to get him out there.”
Several players returned from injury designations for Week 4, including tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., who played extensively and scored a touchdown; Jamal Agnew, who contributed as a return specialist; DeMarcco Hellams; James Pearce Jr.; and Casey Washington.
On the reserve/injured list, Bralen Trice is eligible to return this season after reinjuring his knee during preseason, while Kaleb McGary (leg), Emory Jones (concussion), and Tyrone Wheatley Jr. are not eligible to return in 2025.
Defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham and offensive lineman Storm Norton were placed on IR with designations to return and could be activated now that they have missed at least four games.
Inside linebacker Malik Verdon remains on the non-football injury list with an undisclosed issue but is eligible to return if cleared. Troy Andersen is also eligible to return from the physically unable to perform list after missing time due to a knee injury.
The Falcons will assess their roster health further as they prepare for their next game following the bye week.
