Falcons rookie linebacker Prince Shembo is close to locking down the key backup linebacker spot after a fine showing against the Titans.

Shembo, a fourth-round pick from Notre Dame, played some with the first-team defense along side Paul Worrilow. He spent some time in practice with the first-team playing alongside Joplo Bartu on Monday.

Shembo played 30 snaps and finished with six tackles against the Titans.

“I thought he looked very good out there,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “I still think that we have our two starters in Paul and Joplo, but we needed to get Prince some work with Paul and we also have to get Prince some work with Joplo.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) is unable to catch the ball under pressure from Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson (2) during the second half of an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.  (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Ja’Quon Stembridge, shown here in July at the Henry County Republican Party monthly meeting, recently stepped from his position with the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman