The Atlanta Falcons have launched a new weekly series, Falcons News Now, to provide fans with regular updates and insights throughout the 2025 season. The newsletter covers key team developments, roster changes, practice reports, and behind-the-scenes stories.
One of the major announcements this week is right tackle Kaleb McGary signing a two-year contract extension valued at $30 million. This deal will keep McGary with the team through the 2027 season as part of an effort to maintain stability among the offensive line. “I’m super grateful for God giving me another opportunity to continue to be here,” McGary said. “I’ve been (here) for so long, so just keep doing what I’ve been doing. It wasn’t something I was super worried about, but I’m certainly not going to complain. It’s very cool.”
During Monday’s training camp session, which was limited to helmets only due to league rules, linebacker Jalon Walker continued his recovery from a minor hamstring injury but reported feeling ahead in his rehabilitation process. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed 13 of 15 passes during 11-on-11 drills despite rainy conditions.
On Tuesday’s full-pad practice indoors, wide receiver Drake London caught all five targets during team drills—leading first-team receivers for that day. Defensive back Xavier Watts and edge rusher Jalon Walker participated in individual drills but were held out of full team activities as a precaution while recovering from minor injuries.
Wednesday featured the team’s first full scrimmage of training camp with starters on both offense and defense taking most reps in game-like scenarios. Head coach Raheem Morris explained the focus: “This is their day,” Morris said. “The guys that you plan on not going (Friday), right? You plan on them not going because of what you’re going to do today. You’re planning on giving them the high-level work, the looks.
“So, let’s just talk about Michael Penix, for example. Michael Penix is going to go out there, and he’s going to get all the high-level looks, all the protection looks, all the things you can get from a progression standpoint, all the things you can get from a game standpoint. Except for getting hit.”
Rookie safety Xavier Watts has attracted positive attention from coaches and teammates alike for his maturity and professionalism during camp sessions. Head coach Raheem Morris commented: “Watts is an adult. That’s the easiest way for me to put it,” Morris said. “He is serious. There’s not a lot funny to him. He’s very conscientious. He’s got pro-like skill sets. He also gets some first-team reps. He’s able to mix it up with the second team. He’s able to be a leader that way.”
Safety DeMarcco Hellams has returned after missing last season due to injury and earned recognition under his nickname “Bamm-Bamm.” Teammate Jessie Bates III described him by saying: “We call him, ‘Bamm-Bamm,'” Jessie Bates III said. “He’s not a happy guy right now. He’s always moving with bad intentions of wanting to go hit somebody. And you need that on the football team.”
Looking ahead at preseason matchups, quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr., Kirk Cousins are not expected to play against Detroit Lions in Week 1; rookies such as Jalon Walker and Xavier Watts are anticipated participants instead.
In other news affecting future games rather than this Friday’s contest against Detroit, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison will miss Week 2 due to suspension—a notable absence given Addison’s strong performance against Atlanta last year when he tallied 133 yards and three touchdowns.
“The Vikings are never an easy out, especially in their home confines,” Will McFadeen noted, “but the absence of Addison is notable.”
