Atlanta’s official depth chart for its Week 8 showdown with Tampa Bay highlights a handful of injury‑related shuffles while keeping most starters in place.
Key points
- The Falcons’ starting quarterback remains Michael Penix Jr., with Tagovailoa and Dalton as backups.
- Injury updates moved A.J. Terrell Jr. onto the active roster and promoted rookie Ethan Onianwa to the backup tackle spot.
- The defensive line and secondary retain most starters, with only minor depth adjustments.
According to the team’s release on October 27, 2026, the Falcons will travel to Raymond James Stadium for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff against the Buccaneers. The depth chart lists Michael Penix Jr. as the starting quarterback, with Tua Tagovailoa and Andy Dalton listed as backups.
On offense, the wide‑receiver corps features Drake London and Chris Blair at the flanks, while Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus share the slot‑receiver duties. The offensive line sees Jake Matthews and Matthew Bergeron anchoring the tackles, with rookie Ethan Onianwa promoted to backup tackle after Michael Jerrell was placed on injured reserve.
Key offensive starters
Defensively, the front seven remains anchored by Cameron Thomas at nose tackle and Za'Darius Smith at defensive end. Notable depth‑chart moves include the activation of cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. from injured reserve and the addition of rookie safety Xavier Watts to the secondary.
Special‑teams assignments list Nick Folk as the primary kicker, Jake Bailey as the backup, and Liam McCullough handling long‑snapping duties. The special‑teams unit also mirrors the offensive backup group, with Olamide Zaccheaus and Zachariah Branch listed as return specialists.
Reader questions
Who will start at quarterback for the Falcons in Week 8?
Michael Penix Jr. is listed as the starting quarterback, with Tua Tagovailoa and Andy Dalton as backups.
What roster changes were made due to injuries?
Cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. was activated from injured reserve, and offensive tackle Michael Jerrell was placed on injured reserve, promoting rookie Ethan Onianwa to the backup tackle role.
Who are the Falcons’ primary return specialists for the game?
Olamide Zaccheaus and Zachariah Branch are listed as the main return specialists on special teams.
Source: atlantafalcons.com