NE Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The reward did not outweigh the risk for three key Atlanta Falcons players last week.

After two joint practices and a preseason game with the Miami Dolphins, the Falcons are down a talented trio. First, wide receiver Rondale Moore (knee) was carted out of practice last Wednesday. Then, safety DeMarcco Hellams (ankle) and outside linebacker Bralen Trice (knee) left last Friday's loss in the first half due to injuries.

Moore and Trice were placed on the Falcons’ reserve/injured list. Hellams has not but is still expected to miss what was described as a significant amount of time.

"These preseason games are tough," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. "You know, we talk about them every year. This is the reason why you try to play as least amount of people as you can. ... Those things come back to bite you at times. It almost makes you not want to, but you know the cost of doing business. You've got to make those decisions, and those are heavy on you, all the time, those type of injuries."

Below is how each injury affects the ongoing position battle in Atlanta.

How Hellams' injury impacts the safety position

The simple answer here would be committing to starting Richie Grant alongside Jessie Bates III. Of course, nothing is ever that simple. If it were, then Hellams would have never been in the conversation in the first place. But he was. And that's why his absence, even if temporary, is a hit to the secondary.

Grant and Hellams had been competing for that second starting spot since training camp began. Heck, since the midway point of last season. Hellams started four of the final six games and showed improvement throughout the fall. Grant started 15 of the Falcons' 17 games but began to cede playing time to Hellams.

That's in the past, though. The Falcons need to worry about their future. Right now, that doesn't include Hellams.

During Monday's practice, the first without Hellams, Grant maintained his role among the first team with Bates. No surprise. But his challenger moving forward may be.

Falcons assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray named Micah Abernathy as someone who is gaining increased attention now. Abernathy took 28 defensive snaps against the Dolphins – 41% of the defense's total – making three solo tackles and assisting in another stop. The Atlanta native joined the Falcons prior to the 2023 season and played in 12 games, primarily on special teams.

There's also a possible external option apparently: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the Falcons are conducting a two-day visit with safety Justin Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowler and four-time second-team All-Pro selection from his tenure with Denver Broncos from 2016-23.

How Trice's injury impacts outside linebacker position

This situation is more complex since finding a consistent edge rusher has been an ongoing challenge for Atlanta this preseason; Trice seemed poised for that role despite being a rookie before his injury halted progress.

Arnold Ebiketie appears as an immediate solution given his experience from last season where he started six out of seventeen games finishing with six sacks - most among returning players on Atlanta’s defense.

Other names vying for opportunity include Bradlee Anae who signed during offseason having previously spent time mainly within special teams setups along with DeAngelo Malone who brings valuable experience despite limited action during recent seasons.

How Moore's injury impacts wide receiver & special teams

Moore’s absence impacts both offensive depth chart & special teams lineup; Ray-Ray McCloud III seems like natural successor especially considering established rapport alongside starters Drake London & Darnell Mooney while maintaining strong track record within returner roles too potentially covering both bases effectively if needed

Additionally newly signed Jakeem Grant offers further reinforcement particularly through proven credentials across various return duties making him viable candidate stepping into dual responsibilities left vacant by Moore

Rookie Casey Washington also emerges potential breakout candidate having shown promising performance during recent matchups thus adding another dimension into decision-making process ahead August roster cut deadline

Next test comes Saturday noon ET against Baltimore Ravens broadcast locally via FOX5 providing crucial insights evaluating current squad dynamics under competitive conditions before finalizing selections