Cornerback Desmond Trufant, who missed the past four games with a turf-toe injury, is set to return when the Falcons (2-7) face the Panthers (5-4) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

“It’s been a long process,” Trufant said Friday. “I’ve been working on it consistently, but now I’m at a point where I feel good. I feel like myself. I’m ready to go get it.”

Trufant, the team’s top cornerback, has five tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions.

With Trufant out, rookie Kendall Sheffield has started the past four games at left cornerback. He slid inside in the nickel defense, and Blidi Wreh-Wilson took over at left corner.

Trufant was close to playing last week against the Saints.

“I was close, but at my position, I can’t play with stuff like that,” Trufant said. “That’s all we live by, how our feet work and change directions. But I feel good, and I’m ready to go.”

The Panthers average 215.1 passing yards per game, which ranks 23rd in the NFL.

Wide receiver D.J. Moore leads the Panthers with 54 receptions for 684 yards. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel leads the Panthers in touchdown receptions with four. Tight end Greg Olsen and running back Christian McCaffrey are also pass-catching threats.

“They are solid,” Trufant said. “They’ve got some deep threats. They’ve got some intermediate guys. Olsen has been doing it a long time. McCaffrey comes out the backfield and makes plays, too, in the passing game. They’ve got a lot of threats. We know these guys.”

---

Subscribe to "The Bow Tie Chronicles" podcast with the AJC's D. Orlando Ledbetter on iTunes or on the new AJC sports podcasts page.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Unlike last season, when Kirk Cousins was the undisputed starter for the Atlanta Falcons at quarterback heading into training camp, this season it's Michael Penix Jr. (center). Training camp begins next week. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC