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.”

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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (George Walker IV/AP)

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