Falcons Stock Up, Stock Down Heading Into Final Week of Preseason

FLOWERY BRANCH – The Atlanta Falcons got back on track Saturday with a dominant 34-6 win over the Indianapolis Colts. This effort will help build confidence heading into the final week of preseason action, but wins and losses don't matter most this time of year.

Dozens of players are fighting for roster spots, and the individual performances throughout the summer are constantly being evaluated. Days like Saturday serve as checkpoints, and Friday night is the final one before Sunday's roster cuts.

As we head into the final full week of training camp, Falcons OnSI took a look at some of the risers and fallers.

Stock Up – Rookie UDFAs

The unquestioned winner of Saturday’s game in Indianapolis is undrafted free agent quarterback Jack Strand. He came out at the end of the first half and immediately led the first of his three scoring drives of the day.

Strand ultimately finished 12-of-17 for 212 yards and two total touchdowns, leaving social media buzzing for the upstart rookie. He is battling with the 32-year-old Cooper Rush, who also had a strong performance on Friday (10-of-11 for 86 yards) after his first-week struggles, and that competition is still up in the air. The rookie has much more upside, with elite size (6-foot-5, 240 pounds) and arm strength, but NFL coaches value experience.

Strand still has a lot to learn, but he is forcing the issue in Flowery Branch with performances like this.

Catching his touchdown was running back/wide receiver Cash Jones. The former Georgia Bulldogs third-down back has shown his value as a dual-threat weapon this summer, leading the Falcons on Friday with four catches for 62 yards and the score, while adding 41 yards on seven carries (5.6 yards per carry).

Jones’ path to making the roster is a difficult one, with the three rock-solid running backs ahead of him on the depth chart. He has shown additional value on special teams, but will that be enough to lock down a spot for himself?

Finally, defensive lineman Carlos Allen Jr. has made a name for himself. He had a tackle for loss and created some pressure in the Colts' passing attack that helped the Falcons get off the field. The majority of his work came in the first half, a potentially good sign for his status on the depth chart.

But like Jones, Allen will need to navigate through several veterans in his position group. At this point, he feels like a good bet to make the practice squad, which is still a net positive for a rookie UDFA.

Stock Down – Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa

The veteran quarterback was the perceived front-runner for the Falcons’ quarterback job all summer, and for good reason. Tagovailoa had every advantage possible, with Michael Penix Jr. still rehabbing from a torn ACL, but his struggles have left the door wide open.

Furthermore, Penix was cleared to return to practice on Saturday, and now Tagovailoa feels like he is scrambling to maintain his place in this competition. The Falcons have less than three weeks before they travel to Pittsburgh in Week 1, and they need to name a starter before too much longer.

Stefanski does not appear to be in a hurry to make that decision, but it would be surprising if one is not named after this week. If Penix can come in strong, then the incumbent starter could hold onto his job.

Stock Up – Running Back Tyler Goodson

Tyler Goodson returned to his former team and appeared to lock down the third running back role in the process. His 49-yard touchdown run in the first half was the highlight of the game, and several teammates celebrated with him in the end zone after he scored.

He finished his day with 59 yards (9.83 yards per carry) on six carries, while Nathan Carter had 42 yards (2.47 yards per carry) on 17 carries. Goodson’s speed and versatility will be useful assets for the Falcons’ special teams unit, and he appears to be stamped in as the reserve behind Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr.

Stock Down – Linebacker Christian Harris

The Falcons’ free-agency acquisition is not considered a bubble player, but his place as the surefire starting linebacker alongside Divine Deablo has taken a hit as of late. The emergence of rookies Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. has relegated him to the background a bit.

Daniels’ emergence, in particular, has been notable. He has worn the green dot during practices in Deablo's absence, indicating the staff’s growing comfort with him alongside the veteran.

Furthermore, Harris played well into the game on Friday, which isn't always the best sign for a player. He will still be expected to have a role on this defense, but his starting job could be in jeopardy.

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