Atlanta Falcons News, Scores, Schedules and Coverage

Atlanta Falcons

Record: (0-0), 3rd in NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

Record: (0-0), 3rd in NFC South

NFL

Falcons QB Cooper Rush prepared to start with Tagovailoa’s health in question

After Tua Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury early in Thursday’s practice, coaches turned to Cooper Rush with a message: “You’re up.”

Atlanta Falcons Saturday Night Lights Practice

NFL

Tua Tagovailoa hurt in practice, Cooper Rush leads Falcons’ offense Thursday

Dirty Birds Dispatch: Rookies, Rodgers and redemption

NFL

Will the Falcons end playoff drought? AJC writers offer season predictions

NFL

Tagovailoa taking ‘day-to-day’ approach as long-term QB questions loom

Standings

Stats

NFC South

Full Standings

TEAM	W	L	PCT
1 PanthersPanthers	8	9	.471
2 BuccaneersBuccaneers	8	9	.471
3 FalconsFalcons	8	9	.471
4 SaintsSaints	6	11	.353

Team Leaders

Full Team Stats

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Michael Penix Jr.

QB, #9

PASSING YARDS

1982

Bijan Robinson

RB, #7

RUSHING YARDS

1478

Kyle Pitts Sr.

TE, #8

RECEIVING YARDS

928

PHOTOS: Falcons preseason home opener was a lopsided defeat

Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (left) and Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger greet each other after their preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. The Denver Broncos won, 27-7, over the Atlanta Falcons. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch (left) and Broncos running back Jonah Coleman greet each other after their preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (center) holds hands with Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron (left) and Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger as they pray after their preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (right) and Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles greet each other after their preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons safety Sydney Brown gets a high-five from Freddie Falcon after their preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons defensive tackle Carlos Allen Jr. signs autographs for fans after the Denver Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 27-7, during their preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons running back Bijan Robinson signs autographs for fans after the Denver Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 27-7, during their preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons running back Tyler Goodson (not pictured) scores a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the second half of their game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski watches from the sidelines as his team takes on the Denver Broncos during their preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons fans cheer after a touchdown by running back Tyler Goodson during their preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons quarterback Jack Strand gets off a pass during their preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush (center) gets off a pass during their preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Broncos wide receiver Cameron Ross eludes a tackle from the Falcons during the first half of their preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons wide receiver Dylan Drummond (left) and quarterback Cooper Rush walk off the field after Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron scores a touchdown after intercepting the ball during their preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush (left) gets off a pass during their preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron (center) runs for a touchdown after intercepting the ball during their preseason game against the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Broncos running back RJ Harvey (second from left) is stopped by Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus during their preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Broncos running back RJ Harvey (center) pushes for yardage against the Falcons during their preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons cornerback Darnay Holmes celebrates during their preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (center) scores a touchdown during the first half of their preseason game against the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (center) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during their preseason game against the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons safety DeMarcco Hellams leaves their preseason game against the Denver Broncos after getting injured at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch runs the ball during their preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski watches as his team takes on the Denver Broncos during their preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Fans cheer during the Atlanta Falcons’ preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa prepares to get off a pass during their preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

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Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (left) and Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger greet each other after their preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, in Atlanta. The Denver Broncos won, 27-7, over the Atlanta Falcons. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

More Falcons news

MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Weekend Predictions: Can the Falcons really upset the Steelers?

After a 3-3-1 first week, Michael Cunningham makes Week 2 picks for Georgia Tech-Tennessee, Georgia-Western Kentucky, Georgia State-Kennesaw State and more.

NFL

Key games we’re eager to see on the Falcons’ 2026 schedule

Their season begins this weekend as the Atlanta Falcons face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

NFL

Falcons game-by-game prediction: Early-season schedule leads to slow start

A tough start to the schedule could contribute to the Falcons missing the playoffs for the ninth straight season.

Atlanta Falcons first day of training camp

NFL

Falcons release first regular season depth chart: 2 rookies in starting roles

The Falcons released their first regular season depth chart on Tuesday ahead of Sunday's opener at the Pittsburgh Steelers.

KEN SUGIURA

Michael Penix Jr.’s patience in return is absolutely the right move

QB tells coach Kevin Stefanski, ‘I’m not where I want to be right now, and I want to be 100% so I can help this team win football games.’

NFL

Why Falcons think they can get ‘best version’ of Tua Tagovailoa

The former Dolphins quarter will start Atlanta's season opener against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

NFL

Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. ‘really close’ to full health

Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said Penix did “very, very well” in his 11-on-11 periods, and Penix added he feels comfortable and confident. But he still has hurdles to clear.

NFL

Falcons’ Penix to be inactive vs. Steelers, team ‘confident’ in rehab plan

Coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t put a timeframe on when Mike Penix Jr. may be ready to play, but he's optimistic about the path Penix is currently on.

NFL

Falcons tab Tua Tagovailoa as starting QB for season opener at Steelers

Former Dolphins starter beats Michael Penix Jr. in summerlong competition.

NFL

Nick Folk’s late-career resurgence gives Falcons an answer to kicking woes

Nick Folk comes to Atlanta having missed three field goals total over the last three seasons. In 2025 alone, Falcons kickers missed seven.