Falcons sign defensive lineman to fill out practice squad

FLOWERY BRANCH ― The Falcons signed defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga to their practice squad Monday, reaching the NFL’s maximum of 16 players for that group.

Tonga, 26, is 6-foot-4 and 338 pounds. He played at Brigham Young and was drafted by the Bears in the seventh round (250th overall) of the 2021 draft.

The Falcons first signed 12 players to the practice squad Wednesday, including 11 players who were with the team in training camp. They signed wide receivers Josh Ali, Cameron Batson and Frank Darby, outside linebacker Jordan Brailford, cornerback Matt Hankins, running back Caleb Huntley, center Ryan Neuzil, tight end MyCole Pruitt, safety Teez Tabor, defensive lineman Derrick Tangelo, and offensive linemen Tyler Vrabel and Justin Shaffer. Ali is the only player in the group who was not with the team in training camp.

The Falcons added three players to their practice squad Thursday: tight ends Anthony Firkser and Tucker Fisk, who were cut Tuesday, and cornerback Ka’dar Hollman, who was waived last week by the 49ers.

The Bow Tie Chronicles

About the Author

Falcons coordinator Jeff Ulbrich skilled in developing players, defenses

Over his career, Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has developed linebackers into stars, like Anthony Barr, Deion Jones, De’Vondre Campbell and Foye Oluokun

James Pearce Jr. seen as Falcons’ top DROY candidate

James Pearce Jr. is seen as the Falcons' top candidate for defensive rookie of the year.

Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. celebrated by his Florida hometown

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is celebrated in his hometown, Dade City, Florida, with a street named for him and a new football camp for youths.

The Latest

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Falcons coordinator Jeff Ulbrich skilled in developing players, defenses

James Pearce Jr. seen as Falcons’ top DROY candidate

Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. celebrated by his Florida hometown

Featured

Credit: AP

Senate GOP passes budget bill Democrats describe as ‘a catastrophe’

Republicans in the U.S. Senate have passed the “big, beautiful bill” championed by President Donald Trump, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote.

State Farm Arena top 5 globally in box office — behind only Sphere, MSG in U.S.

State Farm Arena brought in about $76.2 million across 60 events.

At a store that never closes, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch

At JJ Food Mart on the west side of Atlanta, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch. If you misbehave, Connell Daniels Jr. might put you on Instagram.