The Atlanta Falcons took a punch to the gut to begin the week with tight end Kyle Pitts and defensive lineman Ta’Quon Graham landing on the injured reserve list.
Both starters could be in jeopardy of missing the remainder of the 2022 season, which would be a major blow to an Atlanta team still fighting for a playoff spot in the wide-open NFC.
The Falcons did get some good news on Wednesday, however. Running back Cordarrelle Patterson won the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award for his performance against the Bears.
In today’s Falcons recap, the team releases a new depth chart, Patterson makes an appearance on the NFL Network, and free-agent linebacker Will Compton awaits a contract offer following Tuesday’s physical.
Patterson appears on Good Morning Football
This team isn't slowing down@gmfb 🤝 @ceeflashpee84 pic.twitter.com/4zYkUy62sl
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 23, 2022
After being named NFC special teams player of the Week, Patterson appeared on the NFL Network’s Good Morning Football program to talk about the Falcons’ season. Per usual, Patterson represented Atlanta well. He expressed confidence in the team as it fights for the NFC South crown.
“Everybody is trying to make a name for themselves,” said Patterson. “Nobody is selfish. We’re all hungry and all of us trying to make it.”
Free-agent LB Will Compton's contract saga
BREAKING NEWS
I am signing with the @AtlantaFalcons
Year 10 is officially underway pic.twitter.com/ZbknECugHx
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) November 22, 2022
The Falcons have brought Compton in for a look twice this season, but the free agent has yet to receive a contract offer. Compton initially posted on Monday night that he was expecting to sign on Tuesday, pending a physical. Since no deal has transpired as of yet, the former Titans LB seems less optimistic.
Compton: Part II
I passed the physical this morning.
We’ve been waiting on all of the contracting to get sorted out.
There are several moving parts with my work off the field that has to get squared away.
More to come on the most unique practice squad signing in NFL history.
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) November 22, 2022
Compton apparently passed his physical, but the Falcons ended up signing Ryan Neuzil to the 53-man roster instead on Tuesday. We know Arthur Smith doesn’t particularly seem to enjoy other people announcing news about the team before he addresses it himself. For example, Smith wouldn’t confirm multiple reports about Kyle Pitts’ injury at his Monday press conference, then the team placed Pitts on injured reserve shortly after.
“Year 10 might be in danger,” Compton would later tweet on Tuesday night while awaiting a contract.
Compton: Part III
From Arthur Smith at 11:30 a.m.: "I’ll talk about people who are officially on our roster. You will get more from Will than you would from me. If somebody is officially on the roster, I will be happy to speak more about it." https://t.co/yijw7OcOz8
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) November 23, 2022
On Wednesday, Compton provided one last update, saying he will know more information tomorrow but didn’t want to say much else. It wouldn’t be all that surprising if the team signed Compton later in the week. However, head coach Arthur Smith said he would only comment on players currently on the roster. For now, the nine-year veteran has to play the waiting game.
Updated Depth Chart: Hesse in for Pitts
Commanders Week
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 22, 2022
The Falcons will look to TE Parker Hesse to replace Kyle Pitts in the starting lineup, while Matt Dickerson is set to take over for Ta’Quon Graham along the defensive line. Obviously, it will take a group effort to replace Pitts, but there is no replicating what he can do on the field. There’s a reason the Falcons drafted him fourth overall in 2021 — the highest pick ever used on a tight end.
Pitts, Graham to undergo procedures
Falcons HC Arthur Smith said both TE Kyle Pitts and DL Ta'Quon Graham will have procedures and they'll see how things go after that.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) November 23, 2022
Smith also commented on Pitts and Graham, saying both will undergo procedures for their knee injuries. Per ESPN’s Michael Rothstein, the team will see how things go before making any declaration about potential return dates. If the Falcons are still in the playoff hunt late in the season, you have to wonder if Pitts will return. If the team is already eliminated, though, it makes little sense to bring the star tight end back.
Updated 53-man roster
Falcons 53-man roster tracker: Ryan Neuzil signed off practice squad https://t.co/NunR90jCel
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) November 22, 2022
Atlanta signed versatile offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil off of the practice squad on Tuesday. Neuzil joins defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson on the 53-man roster in wake of the injuries to Pitts and Graham. Johnson was claimed off waivers by the Falcons on Monday.
Updated 16-man practice squad
#Falcons sign TE John Raine to practice squad, place guard Justin Shaffer on IR https://t.co/b9nfmPFawu
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) November 22, 2022
Tight end John Raine and defensive back John Reid were signed to the Falcons’ 16-man practice squad. Raine took rookie guard Justin Shaffer’s place. Reid takes the place of defensive back Devon Key, who was released by the team on Tuesday.
NFL Draft: 25 potential targets on offense
25 offensive prospects the #Falcons could target in the 2023 NFL draft. https://t.co/6Rjl9HBeTP
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) November 20, 2022
Quarterback, guard, tackle, tight end and wide receiver could all be in play for Atlanta when the 2023 NFL draft rolls around. Check out 25 offensive prospects the team could target this offseason.
