Atlanta Falcons promising slot cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. had a strong rookie season before being hampered by injuries. Bowman totaled 26 tackles, one tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble across six games and one start. He missed Weeks 6-9 with a hamstring and knee injury. He then suffered an Achilles tear during a Friday walkthrough on November 21 and underwent season-ending surgery three days later.
Billy Bowman has yet to practice this spring as the Falcons are currently on a month-long break until training camp begins in late July.
The Atlanta Falcons gave an injury update on slot CB for 2026
Sep 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons safety Billy Bowman Jr. (33) on the field during a game against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
During a press conference a few weeks ago, Kevin Stefanski provided an injury report on Billy Bowman Jr., as reported by Marc Raimondi of ESPN NFL Nation. The head coach said the promising slot cornerback is not ready to practice or has not been medically cleared, but he is “hitting every milestone.”
Stefanski said CB Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) isn’t ready yet for practice, but he’s hitting every milestone. #Falcons
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) June 8, 2026
Bowman may open training camp on the active/PUP list, allowing him to return to practice and be activated at any time. However, if he is not ready come September, the Falcons may revert him to the reserve list during roster cuts, which would force him to miss at least the first four games. Because the Achilles injury occurred in late November and the ninth-month recovery time is in late August, sitting out the whole month of September is a possibility.
Who has replaced him in the slot?
Sydney Brown has thus far taken first-team reps in the slot during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The Falcons acquired the safety and standout special teamer from the Eagles in late March. Brown has primarily served as Philadelphia’s backup safety throughout his first three seasons but has started nine games. He has two interceptions, one pick-six, five pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in 42 regular-season games.
Other candidates include Darnay Holmes and Avieon Terrell. Holmes spent his first six seasons with the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, totaling four interceptions, 21 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles across 83 regular-season games with 12 starts. Terrell played college football for the Clemson Tigers, primarily playing on the outside, with three interceptions, 25 pass deflections, and eight forced fumbles in 39 games and 31 starts. The second-round pick has been taking snaps in the boundary with the second and third teams but could see more playing time in the slot in the summer.
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