Story by
The Atlanta Falcons Have a Cornerback Problem. What's the Solution?
- Story by
- The Atlanta Falcons Have a Cornerback Problem. What's the Solution?
The Atlanta Falcons went into Sunday Night Football confident, but shorthanded. Their star cornerback, A.J. Terrell Jr. , went out Week Two against the Panthers with a groin injury and was placed on injury reserve. Now that the Falcons have also lost C.J. Henderson , what will they do at cornerback?
Starting cornerback Terrell Jr. went down early this season, suffering a groin injury in Week Two. The Falcons have been piecing together their cornerback situation since. Veteran corners Henderson and Mike Hughes have stepped up in the absence, to mixed results.
Advertisement
Henderson had a strong season in Terrell Jr.'s absence. In five games, he has 23 solo tackles, six pass deflections, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a tackle for loss. He has allowed 215 receiving yards so far this season and allowed only one touchdown, holding opposing quarterbacks to passer ratings under 100.
His best game this season was in his first start. In Week Three against the Packers , he had eight solo tackles and three defended passes, making it a tough night for quarterback Jordan Love . He brought the same intensity in Week Four against the Saints , with 10 combined tackles, one pass defended, and a forced-fumble recovery.
Unfortunately for the Falcons, he exited with a groin injury before he could make an impact on Sunday night, recording only two tackles. The game plan for the Ravens was to lean on the running backs, while putting veteran backup quarterback Tyler Huntley in good situations. Not having to throw against Henderson was a good situation.
Advertisement
Hughes has also seen more time on the field. Fans and media have not been as complimentary of his play as they have been of Henderson. Hughes is an up-and-down player. At times, it seems like he's nowhere he should be, and at other times he makes the absolute correct play.
Hughes' inconsistency causes defensive breakdowns that teams capitalize on. In Week Three against the Packers, Love started throwing on Hughes' side of the field, specifically because it was working. That's a trend that has continued, and with Henderson out, it leaves the back half of the field more vulnerable.
Terrell Jr. could return in Week Six against the Bears, but if he doesn't, it might be time to see more of his younger brother, rookie corner Avieon Terrell .
Advertisement
Terrell has been placed in a rotational, potential starter role that was supposed to allow him to develop while making an impact on the field. With all the injuries at the position, Terrell may need a starting role sooner than anticipated.
If Hughes continues to struggle with consistency at outside corner, Terrell could give them something on the outside that they've missed with Terrell Jr. 's absence.
If Terrell Jr. is out another week, we could see a new plan from the Falcons at cornerback. When it comes to Caleb Williams , and the Bears for Sunday afternoon.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
