NE Atlanta News

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The final joint practice between the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins concluded unexpectedly on Wednesday when Falcons wide receiver Rondale Moore was carted off the field with a lower-body injury.

The incident occurred during one of the last 11-on-11 periods. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. attempted a pass to Josh Ali in the end zone, which fell incomplete. Attention quickly shifted to the opposite corner where Moore lay injured, attended by team doctors and trainers. A cart was brought out, and a temporary air cast was applied before Moore was taken into the facility.

Following Moore's departure, play ceased across all fields as Falcons players gathered around him. Practice ended entirely with Bijan Robinson leading a prayer for Moore.

"It's heartbreaking," said Grady Jarrett post-practice. "Not much of a heartbreak like it."

Moore joined the Falcons this offseason via trade from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for former quarterback Desmond Ridder. He was listed as a backup to Darnell Mooney on the team's depth chart but had been seeing increased reps with the first team recently.

Raheem Morris announced that backup center Ryan Neuzil would not participate due to a calf strain, with Jovaughn Gwyn taking second-team reps in his absence. Outside linebacker Bralen Trice returned after missing Tuesday's practice due to illness.

Regarding preseason playing time, Morris indicated that while Penix would see significant action, Kirk Cousins might not appear much in live-game scenarios this preseason despite being fully cleared for practice.

Tensions between the teams flared again during practice, resulting in two sideline-clearing skirmishes early on. Coaches intervened to calm both sides down, and no further incidents occurred.

In red zone drills, Cousins connected with Drake London at the goal line and Tyler Allgeier ran into the end zone behind blocks from Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary. Cousins completed nine of his first ten passes on Wednesday after struggling on Tuesday.

Defensively, Harrison Hand limped off after covering Malik Washington deep downfield and did not return; no update on his status was provided. The first-team defense maintained its strong performance from Tuesday without allowing any touchdowns against Miami's offense.

Arnold Ebiketie earned an early sack against Tua Tagovailoa and continued to disrupt plays throughout practice. DeAngelo Malone showcased notable speed during second-team drills while Richie Grant nearly intercepted two passes from Tagovailoa.

Overall, defensive rotations were frequent as Morris aims to build depth ahead of roster cuts.