Ron Medlin, who had been with the Falcons for the past 16 seasons as the head athletic trainer, will not return for next season, the team confirmed.

In what was termed by the team as a football decision, Medlin was not retained because of philosophical differences.

Last season, several starters missed more than 40 games as the team was beset with injuries. The most significant was running back Michael Turner's high ankle sprain. Turner played in only nine games. He tried to come back twice from the injury, but had to leave each game early because of pain related to the injury.

Also, quarterback Matt Ryan missed two games and most of another with a "turf toe" injury.

The Falcons are the only team in the NFL with a director of athletic performance, who is Jeff Fish. The trainers and doctors report to him.

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jalon Walker looks on moments before the Atlanta Falcons face the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

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Members of the conversion crew take a break as the main scoreboard is lowered to the floor to be worked on as the arena gets ready for the next concert at State Farm Arena, Thursday, October 2, 2025, in Atlanta. The crew was working on creating a stage for the Friday, Oct. 3 Maxwell concert. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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