The News, Now
Key developments on the field and roster move analysis
The biggest news of the week involved the release of wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud. This news was a couple weeks in the making as McCloud was a healthy scratch in the team's last two games against the Bills and 49ers. Asked about the decision, head coach Raheem Morris had this to say.
"Just got to do what's best for the team every single week. Every move you make is in order to get you better, in order to have better results. That's what we came to the conclusion as. Wish Ray-Ray nothing but the best, provided us a lot last year. Had a great time with him. We had an opportunity to be together, and I wish him nothing but the best."
The main injury news coming out of the Falcons' camp this week revolved around quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and inside linebacker Divine Deablo (forearm). The expectation all week has been Penix will be good to go, with Penix himself saying that is the play, but he was ultimately listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
Deablo, on the other hand, will be out for some time. The option is on the table that Deablo could be placed on injured reserve, according to Morris, with a fracture in his forearm. The Falcons have not given Deablo that designation and is considered "week-to-week."
Asked how the defense will account for his absence, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said it will be a by-committee approach.
"As we all know, he's very unique in the fact that he is, from an athletic profile standpoint, he's very DB-ish. From a size standpoint, he's very linebacker-ish. So, we're going to replace him with some DBs at times, and we'll replace him with some linebacker at times. We're fortunate that we have a JD Bertrand here who is insanely intelligent, understands our scheme at the highest level, so he's going to get a great opportunity to play some more, and there's some other guys, too, that are going to step in and do something with what Divine does."
For other injury news, you can view all three Falcons injury reports below, including the game designations given (or not given) on Friday.
Wednesday, Oct. 22: Michael Penix Jr., Tyler Allgeier limited in estimated report
Thursday, Oct. 23: Michael Penix Jr.'s status remains limited in first full Atlanta practice of Week 8
Friday, Oct. 24: Micheal Penix Jr.'s game status revealed; Jalon Walker, Billy Bowman Jr. ruled out
How did the rest of the league fair in Week 7? Tori McElhaney breaks it down in her weekly power rankings, while Will McFadden highlights the NFC South's performance.
Plus, check out this week's mailbags where Tori and Will answer your burning questions about the state of the Falcons.
Falcons Mailbag No. 1 via Tori McElhaney: How does Divine Deablo's absence affect Atlanta's defense?
Falcons Mailbag No. 2 via Will McFadden: Discussing Michael Penix Jr.'s play
Finally, this week's Nerdy Birds put the spotlight on the team's top-ranked pass defense, particularly the secondary. Entering Week 7, Atlanta leads the NFL in pass defense, limiting its opponents to 141.2 yards through the air per game. The unit is the only team in the NFL that has not allowed a 200-yard passer this season.