The News, Now
Key developments on the field and roster move analysis
The Falcons’ five-game losing streak came to an end in New Orleans last Sunday. And recognition swiftly followed for kicker Zane Gonzalez, who was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after making three field goals — two from 50-plus yards out — in the Falcons win against the Saints.
“He’s provided that operational peace,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. “He’s done a nice job of doing that. He’s provided a lot of steady hand for us when it comes to those things.”
Gonzalez is the second Falcons kicker to make two field goals of 54-plus yards in a single game. He joins Morten Andersen as the only other Falcon to do so. Funny enough, like Gonzalez, Andersen also did so against the Saints in 1995.
Inside linebacker Kaden Elliss also was recognized by the league this week. He was the Falcons’ nomination for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.
“Kaden Elliss, that’s self-explanatory,” Morris said. “The guy he is in our community. The guy he is for our team. He’s our captain. He’s one of the better people I’ve been around in my life, just in general, football or whatever. Just in all walks, all facets of life. You’re talking about a family man, talking about in our community, talking about in his community, his family, his brothers. It’s just a bunch of things where you can go into all those phases of it and make him that guy. For Kaden, it feels really normal and really great.”
In important injury news, both Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Billy Bowman Jr. (Achilles) underwent surgery this week. They are both on injured reserve and out for the season.
For updates from the Falcons active roster, you can view Atlanta’s injury reports from the week below and check out the full reports from Atlanta and New York here.
Wednesday, Nov. 16: Drake London ‘doubtful’ vs. Jets
Thursday, Nov. 27: 2 offensive linemen progressing through practices
Friday, Nov. 28: Drake London out, Chris Lindstrom questionable
How did the rest of the league fair in Week 12? Tori McElhaney breaks it down in her weekly power rankings, while Will McFadden highlighted the NFC South’s performance.
Plus, check out this week’s mailbag where Tori and Will answer your burning questions about the state of the Falcons.
Falcons Mailbag No. 1, via Tori McElhaney: Is play-action here to stay with Kirk Cousins as starter?
Falcons Mailbag No. 2, via Will McFadden: Questions about Falcons’ first-down play calling, offseason priorities
Finally, this week’s Nerdy Birds installment focused on the Falcons’ revitalized pass rush, and how players like Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr. and Brandon Dorlus have helped lead Atlanta’s defensive turnaround.
The Falcons defense has recorded five or more sacks in each of the past four games, the first time in franchise history and the 12th time in NFL history a team has recorded five or more sacks in four consecutive games. It is also the longest streak in franchise history and the longest by any team since the 2022 season, when the Eagles had five straight.
