It’s time for answers in NFL facilities across the league.
The preseason games are done and teams are making their final decisions to help trim their rosters down to the 53-man maximum ahead of Sunday’s deadline at 6 p.m.
The Falcons are no different, with some key decisions to make at critical positions.
As roster moves are announced throughout the weekend, stay tuned for announcements.
The Falcons make their initial 53-man roster official.
Now, before everybody goes popping bottles and getting excited, I'll point out a critical word in that sentence — initial.
That means this is where the roster stands today, just after the 6 p.m. deadline. The Falcons could be interested in other players who were trimmed from their teams, and in the coming hours and days, they will make some adjustments to improve their 53-man roster.
There will be some shuffling, so things are set — for now — with the roster we see, but don't be surprised if there is some movement along the fringes.
Falcons quarterback Jack Strand, an undrafted free agent from Division II Minnesota State Moorhead, has made the 53-man roster, a source told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Strand went 24-for-36 passing for 306 yards, one touchdown and one interception to go along with two rushing scores this preseason.
Undrafted cornerback Malcolm DeWalt IV, another preseason standout, also made the roster, per a source.
The Falcons still haven't made a final decision on their quarterback depth chart, and whether Cooper Rush or Jack Strand — if either — will make the 53-man roster.
With 2½ hours until cuts are due, quarterback is the most intriguing position.
Elsewhere, two undrafted rookies who impressed in camp are still awaiting their fate in running back Cash Jones and cornerback Malcolm DeWalt IV.
Others still on the roster who may be in jeopardy: guard Kam Dewberry, safety Jammie Robinson, defensive back Natrone Brooks, edge rusher Keshawn Banks, receiver Juice Wells, tight end Jack Velling and receiver Beaux Collins.
The Falcons are releasing defensive tackle Carlos Allen Jr., a source told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Allen enjoyed a strong preseason. The undrafted rookie from Houston showed well for himself in joint practices against the Indianapolis Colts and finished the exhibition slate with six tackles, second-most among Falcons defensive linemen behind Marlon Tuipulotu.
The Falcons are releasing undrafted rookie center James Brockermeyer, a source told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Ringer's Tom Pelissero first reported the news.
Pelissero also reported the Falcons waived defensive end Cameron Sample.
The Falcons are waiving running back Nathan Carter, a source told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Carter competed with running back Tyler Goodson this summer for the No. 3 spot behind Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr., but Goodson ultimately separated himself with a strong training camp and preseason.
The Falcons are releasing a pair of undrafted rookies in receiver Vinny Anthony II and offensive tackle Riley Mahlman, a source told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Anthony had a strong training camp, tying for sixth on the team in targets and receptions.
Mahlman worked with the third-string offense in training camp.
The Falcons are releasing receiver Dylan Drummond, a source told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Drummond was firmly on the roster bubble and appeared the favorite to land the No. 6 receiver spot if the Falcons chose to carry that many receivers.
Instead, the team is expected to carry only five, per a source, and Chris Blair is expected to get the final spot.
The Falcons are expected to carry three receivers on their practice squad, and there's a strong chance Drummond, if he clears waivers, gets one of the spots.
The Falcons released offensive tackle Wanya Morris after pursuing potential trade avenues, a source told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sunday morning.
Morris, a third-round pick in 2023, joined the Falcons in June via trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Falcons dealt a sixth-round pick to the Chiefs in exchange for Morris and a seventh-round selection.
Roster cuts are rolling in for the Falcons, who have several moves to make across the board — especially at receiver, where one source said they're only planning to carry five players.
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