Falcons’ practice squad begins to take form, including some cuts from Sunday
After finalizing initial 53-man roster, Atlanta brings back some players who didn’t make the cut.

The Falcons appear to have made their decisions on the initial 53-man roster, which was decided Sunday.
They still have the ability to make some changes, after taking a look at the moves that other teams around the
The Falcons still have some tinkering to do to finalize their practice squad, and possibly alter their 53-man roster.
Here’s the latest news on their roster movements:
Falcons practice squad taking shape
Multiple of the Falcons’ surprising cuts — and a handful of others — from Sunday are already back with the organization.
Cornerback Darnay Holmes, receiver Dylan Drummond, defensive tackle Carlos Allen Jr., running back Tyler Goodson and offensive guard Kam Dewberry are all returning to the team’s practice squad, sources told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday afternoon.
The Falcons have also reportedly agreed to bring back receiver Vinny Anthony II and defensive end Cameron Sample, according to the NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and “The Ringer’s” Tom Pelissero.
Falcons claim 3 off waivers
The Falcons made three waiver claims Monday afternoon, adding offensive tackle Cameron Williams from the Eagles, linebacker Yasir Abdullah from the Jaguars and outside linebacker Jared Ivey from the Seahawks.
Williams, who stands 6-foot-5 and 317 pounds, was a sixth-round pick by the Eagles in 2025. He appeared in one game, playing 80% of the offensive snaps in the team's Week 18 loss to the Washington Commanders.
Abdullah played in 29 games across three seasons with the Jaguars, including three defensive starts in 2024. Much of his work came on special teams — he played 70% of the team's snaps in the game's third phase each of the past two seasons.
Ivey, a native of Suwanee, started his college career at Georgia Tech before transferring to Ole Miss, where he played from 2022-24. An undrafted free agent, the 6-foot-6, 270-pound Ivey made the Seahawks' roster last fall and appeared in two games for the Super Bowl champions.
And here we go
The Falcons make their initial 53-man roster official.
Now, before everybody goes popping bottles and getting excited, I'll point out a critical word in that sentence — initial.
That means this is where the roster stands today, just after the 6 p.m. deadline. The Falcons could be interested in other players who were trimmed from their teams, and in the coming hours and days, they will make some adjustments to improve their 53-man roster.
There will be some shuffling, so things are set — for now — with the roster we see, but don't be surprised if there is some movement along the fringes.
Strand, DeWalt make initial 53
Falcons quarterback Jack Strand, an undrafted free agent from Division II Minnesota State Moorhead, has made the 53-man roster, a source told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Strand went 24-for-36 passing for 306 yards, one touchdown and one interception to go along with two rushing scores this preseason.
Undrafted cornerback Malcolm DeWalt IV, another preseason standout, also made the roster, per a source.
One way the roster can shake out...
If the Falcons carry four QBs, here’s how the numbers may work out elsewhere:
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) August 30, 2026
RB (3), WR (5), TE (3), OL (9), DL (7), EDGE/OLB (4), ILB (5), CB (6), S (4), ST (3).
Feels … feasible. We’ll see how the next hour works out.
Who's still waiting? Strand, Jones among pressing questions.
The Falcons still haven't made a final decision on their quarterback depth chart, and whether Cooper Rush or Jack Strand — if either — will make the 53-man roster.
With 2½ hours until cuts are due, quarterback is the most intriguing position.
Elsewhere, two undrafted rookies who impressed in camp are still awaiting their fate in running back Cash Jones and cornerback Malcolm DeWalt IV.
Others still on the roster who may be in jeopardy: guard Kam Dewberry, safety Jammie Robinson, defensive back Natrone Brooks, edge rusher Keshawn Banks, receiver Juice Wells, tight end Jack Velling and receiver Beaux Collins.
Preseason standout Carlos Allen Jr. informed of release
The Falcons are releasing defensive tackle Carlos Allen Jr., a source told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Allen enjoyed a strong preseason. The undrafted rookie from Houston showed well for himself in joint practices against the Indianapolis Colts and finished the exhibition slate with six tackles, second-most among Falcons defensive linemen behind Marlon Tuipulotu.
Big wave of cuts rolling in as 6 p.m. deadline moves closer
The Falcons are releasing undrafted rookie center James Brockermeyer, a source told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Ringer's Tom Pelissero first reported the news.
Pelissero also reported the Falcons waived defensive end Cameron Sample.
Falcons waiving RB Nathan Carter
The Falcons are waiving running back Nathan Carter, a source told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Carter competed with running back Tyler Goodson this summer for the No. 3 spot behind Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr., but Goodson ultimately separated himself with a strong training camp and preseason.
Falcons waive rookies Anthony, Mahlman
The Falcons are releasing a pair of undrafted rookies in receiver Vinny Anthony II and offensive tackle Riley Mahlman, a source told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Anthony had a strong training camp, tying for sixth on the team in targets and receptions.
Mahlman worked with the third-string offense in training camp.