The Atlanta Falcons are 0-1 after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers over the weekend. The game was closer than the final score indicated, but the Falcons' sloppy play on offense kept them from pulling off a Week 1 upset.
The season must go on, though, and Atlanta is already looking ahead to Week 2. The Falcons will play at home against Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, but they still don't have much clarity at quarterback.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, Kevin Stefanski provides key injury updates, an NFL insider discusses the state of Atlanta's QB room, Bijan Robinson passes Devonta Freeman in franchise record books, and we look at some PFF grades from Week 1.
Injury update: Da'Shawn Hand out, Chris Lindstrom in protocol
The Falcons lost defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand to a torn quad early
in the first quarter of Sunday's loss. Head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed Hand's injury and provided an update on guard Chris Lindstrom during his Monday press conference.
"Da'Shawn Hand has a quad injury that will require surgery," said Stefanski. "He's expected to be out for the season. Chris Lindstrom is in the concussion protocol. I'll have an update as the week goes on there. Obviously, disappointed for Da'Shawn, who's just been a great addition to this team on and off the field."
Falcons DT Da'Shawn Hand reportedly tore his quad in Sunday's loss to Pittsburgh.
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) September 14, 2026
📸 Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect https://t.co/CAHn3W9LIJ pic.twitter.com/Ml1ngRQAR1
Stefanski says little about QB situation entering Week 2
Cooper Rush went 12-for-22 for 143 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, including a pick-six. Tagovailoa and Penix were both ruled out before Sunday's opener. Even Rush reported having back spasms on Saturday. QB play remains a major issue, but Stefanski didn't say much about the situation when asked on Monday.
"I don't have an update yet," answered Stefanski. "I need to get through today before we can make that determination."
Kevin Stefanski comments on Falcons' injuries at Monday presser
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) September 14, 2026
📸 Barry Reeger, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect https://t.co/5gbDgbtuMp pic.twitter.com/nxr6v0zeqm
NFL insider gives QB update
Stefanski had no update on Penix or Tagovailoa, but NFL insider Ian Rapoport gets paid good money to speculate about such matters. Rapopport weighed in on Atlanta's QB situation as the team heads into its Week 2 matchup against the Panthers.
"It is pretty clear to me, based on the people I've spoken with, that the Falcons would like Michael Penix to be their starting quarterback when he is healthy, when he is ready and when he can do it. And from what I understand, the original time frame here was about Week 2 or 3, which makes sense. They did not put him on IR to start the season believing that he would be back in that window."
From The Aftermath on @NFLNetwork: Breaking down the #Falcons QB situation and what decisions will be made this week (and going forward). pic.twitter.com/Ve2SV4EKky
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 14, 2026
Falcons PFF Week 1 grades: Top 5 offense
The Falcons' offense didn't do much in Week 1, but running back Bijan Robinson sure did. His PFF grade of 76.4 led offensive players. Wide receiver Drake London, guard Chris Lindstrom and RB Brian Robinson Jr. all earned grades of 70 or higher. Check out the team's five highest-graded offensive players below.
- RB Bijan Robinson: 76.4
- WR Drake London: 71.5
- OG Chris Lindstrom: 70.6
- RB Brian Robinson: 70.4
- TE Austin Hooper: 63.7
Falcons PFF Week 1 grades: Top 5 defense
Atlanta's defense kept the team in the game for most of Week 1. Cornerback CJ Henderson recorded the team's only elite grade (90.4). Edge Za'Darius Smith had two sacks and recorded a grade of 83.9 on Sunday. Check out Atlanta's top five defensive players below, per PFF.
- CB CJ Henderson: 90.4
- DE Za’Darius Smith: 83.9
- DB Sydney Brown: 72.7
- DT Gervon Dexter Sr: 72.1
- DE Cameron Thomas: 72.1
Bijan passes Devonta Freeman in franchise rushing ranks
Bijan Robinson posted 173 yards from scrimmage, including 83 on the ground. Along the way he passed Falcons great Devonta Freeman on the team's all-time rushing leader list - now ranking sixth in franchise history.
There's a big gap between Robinson and the next guy on the list, Jamal Anderson - who totaled 5,336 rushing yards in 88 career games with the Falcons between 1994-2001. Another 1,400+ yard season this year would just boost Bijan past him and into the top five, though.
Bijan Robinson continues to climb up Atlanta's all-time rushing leader list
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) September 15, 2026
📸 Charles LeClaire, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect https://t.co/PKbF9ubxnB pic.twitter.com/O2DuAvvp8F
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons Recap: PFF grades, injury news, QB update
