A.J. Terrell Jr. Returns to Practice for Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons opened a 21-day practice window for A.J. Terrell Jr. to return from injured reserve.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Do you feel confident in your local team's ability to maintain performance during injury-plagued seasons?
A.J. Terrell Jr. returned to the field on Wednesday after spending four games on injured reserve with a groin injury. The Atlanta Falcons have now opened a 21-day window to activate him to the 53-man roster.
Why it matters
The Falcons are seeking to bolster their defensive depth with experienced players as they prepare for a upcoming matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The team has been managing multiple injuries in the secondary over the last several weeks.
Terrell spent four games on injured reserve following a groin injury, and the team must now decide his status within a 21-day activation window for the 53-man roster.
The players
A.J. Terrell Jr.
He is an experienced defensive player for the Atlanta Falcons currently working to return from a groin injury.
Atlanta Falcons
The professional football team based in Atlanta that competes in the National Football League.
C.J. Henderson
He is an Atlanta Falcons player who suffered a groin injury during the team's Week 5 matchup.
Avieon Terrell
He is an Atlanta Falcons player who started at outside cornerback during the Week 6 game.
Billy Bowman Jr.
He is an Atlanta Falcons player who exited the Week 6 game against the Chicago Bears due to an injury.
The details
Terrell suffered his injury during the Week 2 loss to the Carolina Panthers, while secondary teammate C.J. Henderson sustained a similar injury during the Week 5 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Following recent depth adjustments, including Avieon Terrell starting at cornerback in Week 6 and Billy Bowman Jr. exiting that same game with an injury, the return of Terrell provides crucial experience.
Timeline
Week 2: Terrell sustained his groin injury during a loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Week 5: C.J. Henderson suffered a groin injury against the Baltimore Ravens.
Week 6: Avieon Terrell started at outside cornerback during the game against the Chicago Bears.
Wednesday: A.J. Terrell Jr. returned to the practice field.
Sunday: The Atlanta Falcons are scheduled to play the San Francisco 49ers.
Season Trajectory
The activation window allows the Falcons to reintegrate key defensive starters without forcing an immediate decision on the 53-man roster. This move is essential to maintaining competitive depth throughout the season as the team navigates mounting injuries in the secondary.
Terrell being designated to return means his status will be a primary focus for injury reports and lineup projections heading into Sunday. His return could impact rotation snap counts for younger defensive backs like Avieon Terrell.
The takeaway
The return of a starter to practice provides the Falcons with necessary defensive flexibility ahead of a challenging road matchup. Monitoring the practice participation reports throughout the week will provide the clearest indication of his availability for Sunday.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, check out the latest Football news.
Live Poll
Do you feel confident in your local team's ability to maintain performance during injury-plagued seasons?
