This usually fruitful article series is a snoozer thanks to a lack of rookie playing time.
The Atlanta Falcons may well make this article worth your careful, close reading in the weeks ahead, but right now I’ll say something I rarely say: You can skim this one.
Just two rookies got playing time against the Chiefs once again, and the rest are either inactive or simply not playing a role. Here’s your very dull rookie report for Week 3.
QB Michael Penix
We’re not going to see the rookie quarterback if Kirk Cousins is healthy, as even with some low throws and scuffles, he’s playing well enough to pilot this offense to wins if they can iron out some of the wrinkles. We’ll see Penix in 2025 or 2026, perhaps.
DL Ruke Orhorhoro
For the third straight week, he’s inactive. Given how little pass rush this team has been able to gin up in 2024, it might be time to give a player who is difficult to slow down a chance to contribute, even if he’s raw as a pass rushing option.
OLB Bralen Trice
On injured reserve, where he’ll unfortunately remain all season.
DL Brandon Dorlus
See above for Orhorhoro. Dorlus made his name as a formidable college pass rusher, and with the Falcons generating little pressure, I wouldn’t mind seeing him active next Sunday.
LB JD Bertrand
Betrand isn’t the only rookie to play this week—more on that in a moment—but he’s playing the largest role by a wide margin. One of the top snap getters on special teams, Betrand also played a single defensive snap on Sunday, and could work his way into a small role on early downs if the coaching staff feels he’s ready. Nate Landman being on the shelf opens things up for a run stopping linebacker, and Bertrand had his moments in that regard in college.
RB Jase McClellan
Inactive this week for the third time, McClellan is the least likely rookie to get playing time this season if Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier remain healthy. Long-term, I really do like him as a well-rounded reserve.
WR Casey Washington
He was active! Again! This time out, Washington drew two snaps on special teams, though he’s not factoring in on offense. He’ll need superlative practices and/or injuries ahead of him to play in 2024.
DL Zion Logue
Still on the practice squad, likely to remain there all season long. The Falcons don’t have a need for an early down space eater along their defensive line right now, though perhaps they will in 2025.