The Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are both making headlines this week as preparations ramp up for Sunday’s season opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Buccaneers released their initial Week 1 injury report on Wednesday, and several key players appeared on the list. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) and cornerback Clark Phillips III (rib) were listed as limited participants. Safety DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring) and offensive lineman Jack Nelson (calf) did not participate. No players were listed as full participants. Tampa Bay will continue to evaluate these players throughout the week before determining their game-day availability against Atlanta.
Meanwhile, in Flowery Branch, the Falcons made a roster adjustment to strengthen their defensive front. Atlanta signed edge rusher Ronnie Perkins and defensive lineman Simeon Barrow Jr. to the practice squad, while releasing offensive lineman Brandon Parker as the corresponding move.
Perkins, originally a third-round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft, has appeared in seven career games across stints with New England, Denver, and Arizona. The St. Louis, Mo., native has totaled 13 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a quarterback hit in limited NFL action. At Oklahoma, he was a disruptive force, posting 99 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, and 16.5 sacks in three seasons.
Barrow, a Grovetown, Ga., native, first joined Atlanta following the 2025 NFL Draft out of Miami. He played one season with the Hurricanes after transferring from Michigan State, finishing his college career with 140 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks over four years.
These moves give the Falcons added flexibility and depth as they finalize preparations for Sunday’s 1:00 p.m. kickoff against the Buccaneers.
You may also like
-
Falcons Trade Jessie Bates III to Jaguars: A Move for the Future or a Costly Gamble?
-
Lakers Pull Away Late to Beat Hawks, 124–114
-
Dream Leadership Reflects on Finals Run and Outlines Offseason Priorities
-
Atlanta United Closes 2026 Season with 3-0 Loss to Red Bull New York
-
Skyhawks Survive Late Raptors 905 Rally, Remain Undefeated With 125-124 Thriller

