Falcons Placed Cornerback A.J. Terrell on Injured Reserve
The Atlanta Falcons sidelined A.J. Terrell for at least four games after he suffered a groin injury in Week 2.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Football
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The Atlanta Falcons placed cornerback A.J. Terrell on injured reserve following a groin injury sustained during Week 2. The roster move mandates a minimum four-game absence for the defensive starter.
Why it matters
The placement on injured reserve removes a key defender from the active roster during a critical stretch of the season. Terrell must remain sidelined for four games, forcing the team to adjust its defensive secondary rotation.
Injured reserve status requires a minimum four-game absence for any player. The Falcons previously bolstered their defensive depth by selecting Avieon Terrell in the second round of the draft.
The players
A.J. Terrell
He is a starting cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons who was placed on injured reserve due to a groin injury.
Avieon Terrell
He is a defensive player drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional football team based in Atlanta that competes in the National Football League.
The details
A.J. Terrell will be ineligible for matchups against the Saints, Ravens, and Bears as part of the mandatory four-game stay on the reserve list. The team is now utilizing reserve cornerbacks to fill the vacancy left by his absence.
Timeline
A.J. Terrell suffered a groin injury during Week 2 action.
Terrell missed the Week 3 game against the Packers.
Terrell is ineligible to play in the Week 4 game against the Saints.
Terrell is ineligible for the Week 5 game against the Ravens.
Terrell is eligible to return on October 25, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The loss of a starter to injured reserve forces the Falcons to rely on depth players during a crucial multi-week stretch. This roster adjustment shifts the team defensive capabilities and impacts the competitive balance throughout the middle of the season.
The team must shuffle its defensive secondary rotation to compensate for the four-game absence of a primary cornerback. Fantasy managers should monitor the Falcons defensive performance and secondary depth charts during the weeks Terrell remains ineligible.
The takeaway
Injuries to key starters like Terrell underscore the importance of depth in managing a long NFL season. Coaches must leverage secondary players effectively to maintain defensive integrity when roster vacancies occur.
Further reading
For more information on team roster updates, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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