The Atlanta Falcons are facing a flurry of player updates as they gear up for their final regular-season showdown against the New Orleans Saints. This is a critical moment for the team, and every player's availability can significantly impact the game's outcome. Let's break down the latest news from Flowery Branch, Georgia.
First, the Falcons have elevated punter Trenton Gill from the practice squad for Week 18. Gill, who was signed to the practice squad last Thursday, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round in 2022, Gill has played in 42 games. During his first two seasons with the Bears, he was the full-time punter, averaging 46.1 yards per punt and pinning 28.6% of his punts inside the 20-yard line. Last season, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Gill appeared in eight games, averaging 43.3 yards per punt with a 33.3% success rate inside the 20. It's worth noting that Gill has yet to punt in the 2025 season.
Next, the Falcons have listed cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr., defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro, and long snapper Liam McCullough as questionable due to illness. All three players had fully participated in practice throughout the week, making their sudden questionable status a bit of a surprise.
Furthermore, safety DeMarcco Hellams and defensive lineman Sam Roberts have been downgraded to out. Both players are within their 21-day window after being designated to return from injured reserve. Hellams is attempting to come back from a hamstring injury, while Roberts is trying to recover from knee and ankle injuries.
The Falcons' Game Status Report:
Questionable
- WR Darnell Mooney (knee)
- WR Drake London (knee)
- TE Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee)
- CB A.J. Terrell Jr. (illness)
- DL Ruke Orhorhoro (illness)
- LS Liam McCullough (illness)
Doubtful
- N/A
Out
- CB Clark Phillips III (triceps / illness)
- DL Brandon Dorlus (hamstring)
- S DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring)
- DL Sam Roberts (knee / ankle)
The Falcons-Saints game is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. FOX will broadcast the game.
Reminder: Each team can elevate two players from the practice squad to the active roster for each game day this season. A player is allowed three elevations. A fourth elevation requires the player to be signed to the 53-man roster.
2025 Standard Practice Squad Elevations
- Week 1: WR David Sills V | RB Carlos Washington Jr.
- Week 2: K Parker Romo
- Week 3: N/A
- Week 4: N/A
- Week 5: Bye
- Week 6: CB Keith Taylor | WR Deven Thompkins
- Week 7: N/A
- Week 8: WR Dylan Drummond | QB Easton Stick
- Week 9: WR Dylan Drummond
- Week 10: CB Keith Taylor | OL Joshua Gray
- Week 11: CB Cobee Bryant | S Jammie Robinson
- Week 12: WR Dylan Drummond | S Jammie Robinson
- Week 13: WR Deven Thompkins
- Week 14: CB C.J. Henderson
- Week 15: S Jammie Robinson | WR Chris Blair
- Week 16: WR Chris Blair | EDGE Khalid Kareem
- Week 17: WR Chris Blair | EDGE Khalid Kareem
So, what do you think? Will these player updates significantly impact the Falcons' chances against the Saints? Do you agree with the team's decisions regarding the injured players? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
