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The Atlanta Falcons had a whirlwind of a week, from signing Bijan Robinson to an NFL-record extension to losing linebacker Jalon Walker for the season due to a torn ACL. The team has completed its first seven training camp practices, but the players had the day off on Thursday.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Michael Penix Jr. continues to make progress, Arthur Smith shares some advice with Bijan Robinson, Atlanta claims a former New York Jets DB off of waivers, and we look at the team's projected Week 1 starting lineup on defense.
The Falcons placed linebacker Jalon Walker on the injured reserve list Thursday afternoon, claiming former New York Jets defensive back Keidron Smith off of waivers in a corresponding move.
Smith, 26, is a former undrafted free agent who spent four years at Ole Miss and one year at Kentucky before signing with the Washington Commanders in 2023. He failed to make the roster that season, but he signed with the Denver Broncos in 2024 and appeared in nine games.
Penix still doesn't have an official timeline in his recovery from ACL surgery, but he's been more active than Tua Tagovailoa (back injury) thus far in camp. The former top-10 pick could be cleared at any time, but he is likely still a few weeks out. Penix is getting close, though, and said he's feeling stronger.
“I’m just getting stronger and getting more confident in my knee and everything,” Penix told reporters Wednesday. “My body has been feeling really good. I’m hitting all my weight goals and making sure I’m taking my diet seriously. I’m doing everything I can to help my knee get better faster. I’m definitely better than where I was last week.”
Robinson said he heard from several people upon signing his new contract, including movie star Matthew McConaughey and former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith. While McConaughey will draw the most headlines, his relationship with Robinson has been well documented for many years. Smith, who was Atlanta's head coach from 2021-2023, shared some advice with Robinson once the deal became official.
"Just because you got this contract doesn't mean you've got to start buying everything," Smith told Robinson via text.
Jalon Walker's former head coach at Georgia, Kirby Smart, is confident that the Falcons linebacker will bounce back. Smart said he talked to Walker and praised the former Bulldog's attitude.
"I'll guarantee you, he's got the best attitude…Jalon Walker is not defined by football. He's defined by a lot greater things than that. And he'll probably be a great asset for the community while he's out, and he'll come back twice as good as he was because that's the outlook he has."
Falcons linebacker Divine Deablo is stepping into an even bigger role on defense this year but he still rarely gets the respect he deserves. According to an questionable analysis by Bleacher Report, Deablo is only the 33rd-best off-ball linebacker in the NFL right now.
Jalon Walker has been ruled out for the season with a torn ACL, but what will happen to James Pearce Jr.? The Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist is likely to be suspended next week for his violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy. With that in mind, check out our latest defensive starting lineup projection for Week 1.
The Falcons are off from practice today but will return Friday morning for their eighth official session.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons Recap: Penix getting stronger, Atlanta signs DB to roster
Continue reading...
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Michael Penix Jr. continues to make progress, Arthur Smith shares some advice with Bijan Robinson, Atlanta claims a former New York Jets DB off of waivers, and we look at the team's projected Week 1 starting lineup on defense.
Falcons claim former Jets DB, place Jalon Walker on IR
The Falcons placed linebacker Jalon Walker on the injured reserve list Thursday afternoon, claiming former New York Jets defensive back Keidron Smith off of waivers in a corresponding move.
Smith, 26, is a former undrafted free agent who spent four years at Ole Miss and one year at Kentucky before signing with the Washington Commanders in 2023. He failed to make the roster that season, but he signed with the Denver Broncos in 2024 and appeared in nine games.
Michael Penix Jr. is 'getting stronger'
Penix still doesn't have an official timeline in his recovery from ACL surgery, but he's been more active than Tua Tagovailoa (back injury) thus far in camp. The former top-10 pick could be cleared at any time, but he is likely still a few weeks out. Penix is getting close, though, and said he's feeling stronger.
“I’m just getting stronger and getting more confident in my knee and everything,” Penix told reporters Wednesday. “My body has been feeling really good. I’m hitting all my weight goals and making sure I’m taking my diet seriously. I’m doing everything I can to help my knee get better faster. I’m definitely better than where I was last week.”
Arthur Smith's message to Bijan Robinson
Robinson said he heard from several people upon signing his new contract, including movie star Matthew McConaughey and former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith. While McConaughey will draw the most headlines, his relationship with Robinson has been well documented for many years. Smith, who was Atlanta's head coach from 2021-2023, shared some advice with Robinson once the deal became official.
"Just because you got this contract doesn't mean you've got to start buying everything," Smith told Robinson via text.
Kirby Smart says he talked to Jalon Walker, praises LB's attitude
Jalon Walker's former head coach at Georgia, Kirby Smart, is confident that the Falcons linebacker will bounce back. Smart said he talked to Walker and praised the former Bulldog's attitude.
"I'll guarantee you, he's got the best attitude…Jalon Walker is not defined by football. He's defined by a lot greater things than that. And he'll probably be a great asset for the community while he's out, and he'll come back twice as good as he was because that's the outlook he has."
B/R gives little love for Falcons LB Divine Deablo
Falcons linebacker Divine Deablo is stepping into an even bigger role on defense this year but he still rarely gets the respect he deserves. According to an questionable analysis by Bleacher Report, Deablo is only the 33rd-best off-ball linebacker in the NFL right now.
Falcons' projected starting defense
Jalon Walker has been ruled out for the season with a torn ACL, but what will happen to James Pearce Jr.? The Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist is likely to be suspended next week for his violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy. With that in mind, check out our latest defensive starting lineup projection for Week 1.
- DL: Brandon Dorlus
- DT: Maason Smith
- DL: Zach Harrison
- LB/EDGE: Samson Ebukam
- ILB: Divine Deablo
- ILB: Christian Harris
- LB/EDGE: Azeez Ojulari
- CB: A.J. Terrell
- CB: Mike Hughes
- NB: Avieon Terrell
- S: Xavier Watts
- S: Jessie Bates III
The Falcons are off from practice today but will return Friday morning for their eighth official session.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons Recap: Penix getting stronger, Atlanta signs DB to roster
Continue reading...
