The rookie class continues to to be inactive or barely playing.
I’m not going to lie to you: This weekly feature has been a lot more interesting to write in years past. In 2024, I’ll settle for not having much to say about rookies who are either mothballed or barely featured if it means the Atlanta Falcons are winning, though.
QB Michael Penix
With Kirk Cousins playing much better football, the furor for Penix ought to die down. We won’t see him this year so long as Cousins is healthy.
DL Ruke Orhorhoro
With a largely veteran defensive line out there and the Falcons somehow even struggling to find playing time for the very promising Zach Harrison, Orhorhoro was inactive again.
OLB Bralen Trice
On injured reserve.
DL Brandon Dorlus
Inactive. We’ll see if that changes soon.
LB JD Bertrand
Once again, the sole rookie to see any playing time on Monday Night Football, all of it on special teams. Unfortunately, he had an illegal block above the waist call to his name and not much else, though he once again was near the team lead for special teams snaps and will be on a weekly basis. His role on defense will be quite limited even with Nate Landman on injured reserve.
RB Jase McClellan
Inactive this week again. With Tyler Allgeier limited in practice on Wednesday, there’s a small chance we could see McClellan in Week 3 against the Chiefs, albeit in what would be a limited role.
WR Casey Washington
He was active! But he didn’t play at all, even on special teams. The Falcons used just three receivers on offense in Week 2, and until and unless that changes, Washington simply won’t have a role.
DL Zion Logue
Still on the practice squad, likely to remain there.