ATLANTA -- The Falcons open the 2026 NFL regular season at the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. But first, they play one more preseason game Friday at the Miami Dolphins and then must cut their roster to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Who will make the team? Which positions have tough decisions on deck? And where might the lineup be deepest and thinnest this season?
New Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said in the offseason it was his goal to elevate the team's floor, which meant getting deeper at as many positions as possible. Largely that was a success, even if the only high-profile signing Atlanta had was quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. There has been plenty of competition to make the team in training camp.
Here is our projection for the 53-man roster for the Falcons.
Quarterbacks (2)
Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr.
The starting quarterback decision is still up in the air, but with Penix (knee) yet to be cleared for full practices it sure seems like Tagovailoa's job to lose. Once Penix is able to do 11-on-11s, though, he could re-enter the competition. The Falcons also have veteran Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand in camp, but probably don't have the luxury of keeping three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.
Running backs (3)
Bijan Robinson, Brian Robinson Jr., Tyler Goodson
The big and physical Robinson Jr. should be a nice complement to his fellow B. Robinson after the Falcons lost Tyler Allgeier to free agency. Goodson has so far held off Nathan Carter and Cash Jones for the third running back role. Both Robinson Jr. and Goodson could see some time as returners, as well.
Wide receivers (5)
Drake London, Jahan Dotson, Olamide Zaccheaus, Zachariah Branch, Chris Blair
This is a completely revamped room behind London, one which was mired by injuries and inexperience last season. Zaccheaus, in his second stint with Atlanta, has quickly regained his role as a mentor to London. Branch, a third-round pick, can make a real impact with his speed and yards-after-catch ability.
Tight ends (3)
Kyle Pitts Sr., Austin Hooper, Charlie Woerner
Look for this offense to utilize plenty of two- and three-tight-end formations under new head coach Kevin Stefanski and new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. Pitts will likely be second in line for targets after London. Woerner is a consummate pro and hard-nosed blocker, while Hooper is a reliable pass catcher.
Offensive linemen (9)
Jake Matthews, Matthew Bergeron, Ryan Neuzil, Chris Lindstrom, Jawaan Taylor, Michael Jerrell, Wanya Morris, Kyle Hinton, Corey Levin
With the exception of right tackle, this group has been together longer than most in the NFL. As of early training camp, Taylor was still working his way back from elbow surgery last season with the Chiefs. He'll be needed at right tackle to cover the blindside of whichever lefty quarterback is under center. Matthews has 195 consecutive starts, the longest active streak in the league.
Defensive linemen (6)
Da'Shawn Hand, Maason Smith, Brandon Dorlus, Chris Williams, LaCale London, Zach Harrison
Stopping the run is a priority for the new regime, which necessitated the acquisitions of Hand and Smith to get bigger up front. Harrison was on his way to a career season before injuries in 2025. Dorlus had 8.5 sacks last season and will see some time on the edge, as well.
Edge rushers (6)
Za'Darius Smith, Samson Ebukam, Cameron Thomas, Azeez Ojulari, Bralen Trice, Cameron Sample
James Pearce Jr. will play this season following his eight-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy with a domestic violence arrest in February. Jalon Walker will not, courtesy of a torn ACL. That leaves a host of veterans to try and make up the 16 combined sacks that Pearce and Walker had last season as rookies.
Linebackers (5)
Divine Deablo, Christian Harris, Harold Perkins Jr., Kendal Daniels, JD Bertrand
Deablo was the sneaky most valuable player on the Falcons defense last season. Some combination of Harris, Perkins and Daniels will try to replace Kaden Elliss, one of the most underrated inside linebackers in the league who left in free agency. Daniels, a rookie like Perkins, has already impressed after being given the green dot in the first preseason game.
Cornerbacks (6)
AJ Terrell Jr., Mike Hughes, Darnay Holmes, Clark Phillips III, C.J. Henderson, Avieon Terrell
The Falcons got deeper at cornerback in the offseason with the signing of Holmes and the selection of Avieon Terrell in the second round of the draft. AJ and Avieon are brothers who hail from Atlanta. Avieon could push Holmes for the starting role at nickel corner until Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) returns.
Safeties (5)
Jessie Bates III, Xavier Watts, DeMarcco Hellams, Natrone Brooks, Sydney Brown
Bates and Watts make up one of the best safety duos in the league. Watts had five interceptions last season as a rookie and Bates is a three-time second-team All-Pro selection. Brooks and Brown can both also play cornerback, adding some versatility to the secondary.
Special teams (3)
Nick Folk (K), Jake Bailey (P), Liam McCullough (LS)
The Falcons went through three kickers last season and actually lost games due to the ineptitude of the kicking game. The 41-year-old Folk is as steady as it gets and has actually gotten better with age. Bailey, another free-agent signing, is a plus punter who has experience with Folk in New England.
