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The Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad has been a hot target for teams around the NFL, and the Green Bay Packers are the latest to capitalize on Atlanta’s organizational depth.
Tight end John FitzPatrick has been signed by the Packers off the Falcons’ practice squad, according to ESPN. FitzPatrick is Atlanta’s third practice squad player to be poached by another team since the calendar flipped to October.
The Falcons saw sixth-round rookie defensive tackle Zion Logue get signed by the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 1, while the Cincinnati Bengals nabbed offensive lineman Andrew Stueber on Oct. 7.
FitzPatrick, who played at the University of Georgia from 2018-2021, has been with the Falcons since 2022. He was a sixth-round draft pick who missed the entirety of his rookie season with an undisclosed injury believed to be related to the surgeries he had on both feet earlier in the year.
After making the Falcons’ active roster out of camp in 2023, FitzPatrick played in nine games. He hauled in his lone target, making a 12-yard catch against the New Orleans Saints in Week 18. It proved to be the Atlanta native’s final regular season appearance for his hometown team — at least for this stint.
At 6-foot-7, 250 pounds, FitzPatrick is known for his blocking and special teams prowess. He made three tackles on punt and kick coverage last season.
The Falcons have three tight ends on their active roster — Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley — and one on their practice squad in Armani Rogers, a former collegiate quarterback who was picked up Monday.
Atlanta (3-2) returns to action at 4:25 p.m. Sunday, when it takes on the Carolina Panthers (1-4) inside Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Falcons injury report: Bijan Robinson limited in practice
Atlanta’s star running back made his first appearance on the team’s injury report Thursday.
A notable name was added to the Falcons’ injury report on Thursday. Running back Bijan Robinson was listed as a limited participant in practice due to a hamstring injury.
This is not the first time Robinson has been listed on the injury report this season. He was limited for one practice in Week 4 due to a shoulder injury, and he was listed as limited twice during the short Week 5 prep due to the hamstring injury before practicing fully on Wednesday, the final practice before Atlanta played Tampa Bay. Robinson has not missed any games this season due to injury.
The second-year back is currently tied with Jahmyr Gibbs for 15th among running backs with 285 all-purpose yards. In the Falcons’ Week 5 victory against the Buccaneers, Robinson had 15 touches for 77 total yards, including 61 yards rushing. His status Friday will be monitored closely, and Tyler Allgeier would likely step into an increased role if Robinson were to miss Sunday’s game.
In a bit of positive news regarding the Falcons’ injury situation, slot cornerback Dee Alford was able to practice fully on Thursday for the first time this week. He entered the league’s concussion protocol after Atlanta’s win against Tampa Bay, but he has progressed through the protocols and looks to be in good shape for Sunday, barring anything unforeseen.
The Falcons’ secondary has been a team strength so far this season, and Alford is a key cog in that equation.
Outside linebacker Matthew Judon was also a full participant on Thursday after logging a limited session on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury. A healthy Judon will only help a Falcons pass rush looking to assert itself this weekend.
There were no other changes from Wednesday’s injury report, which includes linebacker Troy Andersen being held out of Thursday’s session. It’s the second missed practice for Andersen, putting his status for Sunday’s game in question. Fellow inside linebacker Nate Landman was limited for the second-straight practice, which is a positive sign as he works back from calf and quad injuries.
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney remained limited in practice due to a knee injury.
You can view the Falcons’ and Panthers’ weekly injury reports ahead of Sunday’s game here.
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