The Atlanta Falcons have made several roster changes ahead of their upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints, following injuries to key players.
Defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. has been placed on injured reserve after suffering an Achilles injury during the team’s Friday walk-through. Head coach Raheem Morris commented on Bowman’s condition, stating, “The injury was not going to be good news,” and confirmed that Bowman would not play in Sunday’s game.
Additionally, defensive lineman Zach Harrison was also moved to injured reserve due to a setback with his knee injury. Morris said he expected Harrison would need further treatment for the injury.
To fill these roster gaps, inside linebacker Divine Deablo has been activated and cornerback Cobee Bryant has been signed to the 53-man roster. This marks Deablo’s return since fracturing his forearm in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers. His return follows the opening of his 21-day window from injured reserve earlier this week. Morris had previously indicated that Deablo was expected to be activated for this week’s matchup.
Bryant, who joined as an undrafted free agent from Kansas, played his first NFL snaps last week in the Falcons’ loss to the Carolina Panthers. He stepped in as a standard practice squad elevation when other cornerbacks were unavailable due to injuries but will now provide additional depth with Bowman’s absence.
Safety Jammie Robinson and wide receiver Dylan Drummond have also been elevated from the practice squad for this game. Drummond’s elevation is likely a response to receiver Drake London’s knee injury, aiming to strengthen depth at that position. This is Robinson’s second consecutive elevation and Drummond’s third overall this season.
NFL rules allow teams to elevate two players from the practice squad per game day, with each player permitted three elevations per season before requiring a permanent spot on the active roster. With this latest move, Drummond reaches his maximum allowed elevations for the year.
The Falcons continue adjusting their lineup as they prepare for Sunday’s contest in New Orleans.
