The Atlanta Falcons have two days to trim their roster down to 53 players before the NFL deadline. The team got an early start on Sunday by releasing 12 players and placing another on the injured reserve list. The Falcons have a few other players dealing with injuries, including right tackle Kaleb McGary.
Head coach Raheem Morris said he anticipates McGary opening the season on the injured reserve list, leaving a hole at right tackle. With Storm Norton also set to miss time, the team will look to backup Elijah Wilkinson to fill in early in the season.
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Wilkinson’s new role helped him land a spot in our final Falcons 53-man roster projection. Check out our full roster projection ahead of Tuesday’s cut deadline below.
Quarterbacks (3)
Aug 22, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Easton Stick (12) throws during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
We have Stick making the team after a strong preseason. Plus, the uncertainty around Kirk Cousins’ future pretty much guarantees that the Falcons will keep three quarterbacks. Atlanta cut fourth-string QB Ben DiNucci on Saturday, so it will be Penix, Cousins and Stick in the quarterback room this season.
Running Backs (3)
Aug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
This was a tough one as well. Carlos Washington Jr. has the experience advantage, but his uncertain health status along with the emergence of undrafted rookie Nate Carter in the preseason changed my mind. Carter, a standout at Michigan State, was the most effective of Atlanta’s running backs in three preseason games. Considering the strength of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, the team can afford to take a chance on Carter as RB3.
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Wide Receivers (6)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 8: Chris Blair #19 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after making a touchdown reception during the first half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 8, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
This was by far the hardest position to trim down. The competition for the fifth and sixth wide receiver spots has been extremely close, plus the injury to Darnell Mooney adds to the uncertainty. Chris Blair, David Sills, Casey Washington, Dylan Drummond and Nick Nash each made a strong case to make the team. If Mooney were to begin the year on IR, I would shift Casey Washington to his spot. I think Blair’s production in the preseason over the last two years was the difference for that final spot, although I considered Nash as well.
Tight Ends (3)
Despite an impressive performance by Franks in the preseason finale, we went with veteran Teagan Quitoriano for that third tight end spot. Quitoriano’s experience should give him an advantage, although I’m not ruling out the team keeping four tight ends due to the injuries along the offensive line.
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Offensive Linemen (8)
FLOWERY BRANCH, GEORGIA – JULY 28: Jake Matthews #70 and Chris Lindstrom #63 of the Atlanta Falcons line up with other lineman during training camp on July 28, 2024 in Flowery Branch, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Defensive Linemen (7)
Aug 8, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ta’Quon Graham (95) celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
EDGE (6)
Aug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. (27) comes in the game as linebacker Arnold Ebiketie (17) exits against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
James Pearce Jr. (Rookie)
Inside Linebackers (4)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 26: Kaden Elliss #55 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after making a tackle in the second quarter of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Cornerbacks (6)
Aug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Natrone Brooks (35) reacts after an interception against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Safeties (4)
Falcons safety Jessie Bates III returns an interception for a TD against the New Orleans Saints. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Special Teams (3)
Aug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion (13) punts against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: 53-man roster projection ahead of cut deadline