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Falcons Cut Drake Jackson And Jared Ivey Ahead Of Week 9
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- Falcons Cut Drake Jackson And Jared Ivey Ahead Of Week 9
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Falcons made a quick roster shakeup on Monday afternoon. The team released outside linebacker Jared Ivey and defensive end Drake Jackson just as Week 9 gets ready to start. This move comes right after a rough 16-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The team needs fresh legs to handle the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday. Per the Atlanta Falcons official report, both players are gone from the 53-man roster effective immediately.
Ivey played 17 snaps on Sunday but did not record a single stat. He had been on the roster since the team claimed him off waivers in late August. According to the Atlanta Falcons, he appeared in seven games this season with one sack and two tackles for a loss. He started his career with the Seattle Seahawks and was part of their Super Bowl win in 2025. That title makes his release even more surprising for fans who liked his energy. The team let him go despite his recent playing time and past success.
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Why the defense needs a spark
Drake Jackson played 20 snaps over two games before he got cut. He joined the roster on October 24 after spending last year with the Washington Commanders. Per Heavy.com , he was inactive for the game against Tampa Bay on Sunday. His time in Atlanta was short and unproductive. Although he was selected in the second round from USC, staying healthy has proven difficult for him. Injuries and poor play have hurt his career since he was drafted by the 49ers in 2022. The Falcons are clearly looking for someone else to fill the pass-rush role.
The timing of this move points to a specific plan. According to The Falcoholic , James Pearce Jr. is eligible to return from suspension this week. Yasir Abdullah can also come back from injured reserve. These two players offer the speed and run defense the team needs against Joe Burrow. The Falcons likely need the roster spots for these returns. It makes sense to clear the bench for players who have already proven they can play in this system.
The Falcons will try to bring Ivey and Jackson back on the practice squad. Heavy.com notes that Ivey is a Super Bowl champion who might land there quickly. Jackson has the pedigree to get another shot too. The team wants to keep them close in case they need depth later. This is a common move for the NFL when teams need to make room for returning stars. It keeps the talent in the building without using a 53-man spot.
The defense must fix its run issues before Sunday. The team allowed 16 points and no offense against the Buccaneers. A better pass rush is the only way to stop the Bengals offense.
