Falcons Surprise: 4 Rookies Inactive for Week 1 Opener, Including Top Draft Picks
The Atlanta Falcons took great pains to stock their defensive line depth and build toward the future in the 2024 NFL Draft, adding Ruke Orhorhoro, Brandon Dorlus, and Zion Logue in April. The first two, in particular, were heralded as pieces the Falcons would likely need this year with an older group up front, and as potential difference makers for the years to come.
None of that changed based on a Week 1 spot on the inactives list, but it is genuinely surprising to see both Orhorhoro and Dorlus not suiting up for the opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After reporting a relatively healthy week, The Falcons released their inactives list 90 minutes prior to their home opener vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers. Antonio Hamilton Sr. was ruled out Friday with a groin injury, which means the vast majority of the Falcons' 53-man roster was ready to go. This also means the Falcons chose to keep four 2024 NFL Draft picks inactive for Sunday's game.
Running back Jase McClellan, wide receiver Casey Washington and defensive linemen Ruke Orhorhoro and Brandon Dorlus were listed as healthy scratches. With outside linebacker Bralen Trice on injured reserve and defensive lineman Zion Logue on the practice squad, this means the only 2024 NFL Draft picks who will be active Sunday are quarterback Michael Penix Jr and inside linebacker JD Bertrand.
Penix is Kirk Cousins' backup, while Bertrand is listed behind Kaden Elliss on the team's official depth chart.
Examining the Surprises: Rookie Inactives
The first surprise of the season? Atlanta’s two promising rookie defensive linemen sitting.
The Falcons still have a quality group with Logue on the practice squad and those two rookies not playing today, with Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, Zach Harrison, Eddie Goldman, Kentavious Street, and Ta’Quon Graham all set to play. Given that both Orhorhoro and Dorlus had promising moments in preseason and you can never have enough line depth with multiple 30-year-old players suiting up, it’s a genuine surprise to see them parked. If this is more than a one week decision, the Falcons are going to get some heat for those picks (Orhorhoro in the second round in particular), though I don’t think the team is at all down on either player. Hopefully, this is just about the team prioritizing having increased depth at other positions with their core group healthy along the line.
Other Inactives: Expected and Unexpected
The remaining inactives are far less surprising. Jase McClellan takes a seat in favor of Avery Williams, Jovaughn Gwyn continues to sit until needed with Ryan Neuzil serving as the backup option at center, and we already knew Antonio Hamilton was injured and would miss this week. Chris Blair over Casey Washington is a mild surprise, but the practice squad elevation looked far more ready to contribute this summer.
A Closer Look: Examining the Decisions
The rookie sixth-round pick out of Alabama's NFL regular-season debut will have to wait, after he was a healthy scratch for Week 1. The Falcons will have three active running backs versus Pittsburgh, with Tyler Allgeier and Avery Williams operating as backups to Bijan Robinson.
Washington's NFL regular-season debut will be put on hold after he was a healthy scratch for Week 1. The Falcons elevated Chris Blair from their practice squad Saturday. Blair will join Ray-Ray McCloud and KhaDarel Hodge as depth wideouts behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney versus Pittsburgh.
Dorlus is one of four Falcons rookies who were healthy scratches ahead of Sunday's regular-season opener. Kentavius Street, Eddie Goldman, Ta'Quon Graham and James Smith-Williams will be Atlanta's defensive line depth options versus Pittsburgh.
Looking Ahead: The Falcons' Future
Despite the surprising inactive list, the Falcons have a lot to be optimistic about heading into the season. They have a talented roster and a new coaching staff that is eager to prove itself. With a strong core group of veterans, a promising young quarterback, and a defense that has potential to be a force, the Falcons are ready to take the next step in their rebuild.
