Falcons’ first unofficial depth chart of the 2026 preseason is out

Jul 30, 2026; Atlanta, Falcons, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) shown on the field during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Falcons have released the first unofficial" depth chart of 2026 ahead of Friday's preseason tilt with the Denver Broncos. There aren't any huge surprises on it, especially after Stefanski shared his plans for the starters in this week's matchup during media availability on Wednesday.

There aren't any huge surprises, but a few things of note:

• Michael Penix Jr. and Jawaan Taylor are both noted on the depth chart as injured" and do not appear in their respective positions' depth charts right now.
• Cash Jones has been really fun to watch in camp, so I was a bit surprised to see him so low on the running backs depth chart, but it is pretty stacked. I'm hoping he can carve out a spot for himself regardless.
• Ethan Onianwa has been getting reps with the first team in practices, so I'm also mildly surprised he's at the bottom of the depth chart at right tackle, especially since Michael Jerrell seemed to be getting fewer reps this week. Right tackle is absolutely a spot I'm keeping a close eye on this Friday against the Broncos.
• James Pearce Jr. landing in the third spot on his section of the DE depth chart is also mildly surprising given his performance last season, but obviously it's much less so given that a six-game minimum suspension is expected to be handed down sooner rather than later. In general, the NFL tries to get those decisions to teams before roster cuts so they can plan accordingly. I double checked out of curiosity, and with the first unofficial depth chart of 2025, Pearce was listed second behind Leonard Floyd at the position.
• That's a really fascinating group of potential kick and punt returners. I'm eager to see how that goes this preseason.

Here's the full unofficial depth chart. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Falcons Preseason Week 1 depth chartOffenseQuarterback

• Tua Tagovailoa
• Cooper Rush
• Jack Strand

Running back

• Bijan Robinson
• Brian Robinson
• Tyler Goodson
• Nathan Carter
• Cash Jones
• Trey Sermon

Wide receiverGroup 1

• Drake London
• Chris Blair
• Antwane Wells Jr.
• Kristian Wilkerson

Group 2

• Olamide Zaccheaus
• Zachariah Branch
• Vinny Anthony II

Group 3

• Jahan Dotson
• Dylan Drummond
• Keelan Marion

Tight endsGroup 1

• Kyle Pitts Sr.
• Austin Hooper
• Jack Velling

Group 2

• Charlie Woerner
• Joshua Simon
• Nick Muse

Left tackle

• Jake Matthews
• Wanya Morris
• Riley Mahlman

Left guard

• Matthew Bergeron
• Kyle Hinton
• Andrew Steuber
• Layden Robinson

Center

• Ryan Neuzil
• Corey Levin
• James Brockermeyer

Right guard

• Chris Lindstrom
• Layden Robinson
• Kam Dewberry

Right tackle

• Michael Jerrell
• Brandon Walton
• Ethan Onianwa

Injured players

• Michael Penix Jr., QB
• Jawaan Taylor, OL

DefenseDefensive endGroup 1

• Cameron Thomas
• Azeez Ojulari
• James Pearce Jr.
• Keyshawn Banks

Group 2

• Brandon Dorlus
• Samson Ebukam
• Bralen Trice
• Cameron Sample

Defensive lineGroup 1

• Maason Smith
• Zach Harrison

Group 2

• Da'Shawn Hand
• Devonnsha Maxwell
• Marlon Tuipulotu

Group 3

• LaCale London
• Chris Williams
• Carlos Allen Jr.

Inside linebackerGroup 1

• Divine Deablo
• Kendal Daniels
• Josh Woods
• Channing Tindall

Group 2

• Christian Harris
• Harold Perkins Jr.
• JD Bertrand
• Daveren Rayner

SafetyGroup 1

• Jessie Bates III
• Demarcco Hellams
• Darren Hall

Group 2

• Xavier Watts
• Sydney Brown
• Natrone Brooks

CornerbackGroup 1

• AJ Terrell Jr.
• CJ Henderson
• Cobee Bryant
• Jammie Robinson

Group 2

• Mike Hughes
• Clark Phillips III
• CJ Henderson
• Malcolm DeWalt IV

Nickelback

• Darnay Holmes
• Aveion Terrell
• AJ Woods
• Mike Ford Jr.

Special teamsKicker

• Nick Folk

Punter

• Jake Bailey
• Matthew Hayball

Long snapper

• Liam McCullough

Punt returner

• Brian Robinson
• Tyler Goodson
• Olamide Zaccheaus
• Zachariah Branch

Kick returner

• Zachariah Branch
• Olamide Zaccheaus
• Dylan Drummond
• Jahan Dotson