Falcons hit with major A.J. Terrell blow ahead of Packers showdown

The Atlanta Falcons will be without one of the anchors of their defense for at least the next month after placing cornerback A.J. Terrell on injured reserve Tuesday.

Terrell suffered a groin injury during Atlanta’s loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday and was unable to return. After sitting out Monday’s practice, the Falcons officially moved the veteran cornerback to IR ahead of Thursday night’s road matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

The designation requires Terrell to miss a minimum of four games, making Week 7 the earliest he can return. Atlanta has not announced a specific timetable for his recovery beyond the mandatory absence.

It is another setback in an injury-filled start to the season for Terrell. The 27-year-old also exited Atlanta’s Week 1 contest because of a shoulder injury and had been limited during practices leading into the Panthers game.

 Falcons’ secondary takes huge hit

His absence creates a significant challenge for Atlanta’s secondary. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich offered high praise for Terrell on Tuesday, describing him as the NFL’s top boundary cornerback.

C.J. Henderson is expected to step into Terrell’s starting role. The former first-round selection will now receive an opportunity to take on a much larger responsibility in Atlanta’s defense. Ulbrich expressed confidence in Henderson and said he has no concerns about putting him into the lineup.

Terrell has been a fixture in the Falcons’ secondary since Atlanta selected the hometown product with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. His best season came in 2021 when he earned second-team All-Pro honors.

Atlanta demonstrated its long-term commitment to Terrell in 2024, signing him to a four-year, $81 million contract extension.

The Falcons added another member of the Terrell family during the 2026 draft, selecting A.J.’s younger brother, Avieon Terrell, in the second round. Avieon has been handling nickel cornerback duties.

To fill the open roster spot, Atlanta promoted defensive lineman Zach Harrison from the practice squad to the active roster.

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