Story by
Atlanta Falcons add depth to defense line ahead of season's start
- Story by
- Atlanta Falcons add depth to defense line ahead of season's start
The Atlanta Falcons made a few more changes to their 16-man practice squad on Friday, as they re-signed former third-round pick Bralen Trice as a replacement for edge rusher Khalid Kareem.
Kareem was on the Atlanta Falcons the last two years and returned to the team after being released by the Giants last weekend. He is now reunited with former Falcons head coach and current 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
Advertisement
The 25-year-old Trice suffered back-to-back season-ending injuries in 2024 and 2025 before failing to make the team's 53-man roster cut deadline on Sunday.
The former Washington Huskies star hasn't appeared in an NFL regular season game, but he isn't ready to give up on his NFL dream.
Trice was among the Falcons' roster cuts on Sunday, the end of a highly disappointing two years in Atlanta.
The 25-year-old Trice tore his ACL in his first preseason game, missed his entire rookie year and then aggravated the same knee in 2025 and never played that year.
Advertisement
Trice was a two-time first-team All-Pac-12 selection at Washington, and a two-time bowl game MVP.
Trice accumulated a full stat sheet in his college career at Washington. The linebacker and edge rusher recorded 101 total tackles (63 solo), 28.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks over three active seasons from 2021 to 2023.
Falcons' edge rush picture beyond Trice
As far as the Falcons go, they are down two starting edge rushers. However, there's still a chance that Trice could make his debut this season, assuming he sticks around the practice squad.
Advertisement
The Falcons signed Kareem on Wednesday, but he was signed by the San Francisco 49ers on Friday afternoon, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi .
The Falcons have Brandon Dorlus starting and behind him Da'Shawn Hand at the No. 2 spot. Look for Zach Harrison and Bralen Trice to get playing time early and often, and the Falcons could make a trade or splash signing if things get sticky early.
Atlanta allowed 23.6 points per game (401 total points), ranking 19th in the NFL during the 2025 regular season under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. They did, however, record a franchise-record 57.0 sacks last season.
Advertisement
James Pearce Jr. is their primary pass rusher who will serve an eight-game suspension for the regular season for violating the league's personal conduct policy. Pearce Jr had 10.5 sacks, 26 tackles and one forced fumble in 17 games in his rookie season.
The Falcons open the season on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 13.
Falcons official practice squad signings:
-
WR Vinny Anthony
-
DT Carlos Allen Jr.
-
OL Kam Dewberry
-
WR Dylan Drummond
-
RB Tyler Goodson
-
DB Darnay Holmes
-
OT Riley Mahlman
-
OL James Brockermeyer
-
TE Nick Muse
-
RB Cash Jones
-
TE Jack Velling
-
WR Antwane Wells
-
OL Josh Thompson
-
DL Zach Harrison
-
DB Jammie Robinson
-
EDGE Bralen Trice
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
