A.J.

Terrell Jr.

Terrell gets $65.8 million in guaranteed money, making him the second-highest-paid corner in league history. Terrell earned a PFF coverage grade of 74.6 last season, allowing 44 receptions for 508 yards and four touchdowns. He also tallied eight pass breakups, per PFF, but hasn’t notched an interception since 2021. The extension for Terrell is just the latest the Falcons have made to bolster their defense. They got aggressive last week when they went out and traded for pass-rusher Matthew Judon and signed safety Justin Simmons in a 24-hour span. The Falcons are building up their defense in Raheem Morris’ first season, which could bode well for them in an NFC South that lacks high-end talent outside of the Buccaneers.

Head coach Arthur Smith said the team will make a decision on Terrell on Saturday after having a chance to speak with medical professionals. Terrell being upgraded to a full participant is good for his Week 14 outlook, but if he doesn’t clear concussion protocol, he won’t play. While Terrell’s status remains wait-and-see, the Falcons have already ruled out LB Nate Landman (knee), RT Kaleb McGary (knee), DL David Onyemata (ankle), and DE LaCale London (knee) for Sunday’s contest against the Buccaneers.

Terrell will need to clear protocol if he hopes to suit up in Week 14 against the Buccaneers. The veteran corner has played in 12 games for the Falcons this season, allowing 31 receptions for 374 yards and three touchdowns while earning a PFF coverage grade of 72.0.

Terrell collided with Breece Hall in the first quarter and stayed down on the field for a while. After being checked out by trainers, Terrell walked to the locker room. Though losing Terrell would be a big blow to the Falcons’ defense, we don’t expect Tim Boyle to start lighting up the scoreboard.

Terrell has struggled with injuries, missing games in two of the last three seasons, but has produced when healthy, earning All-Pro honors in his only healthy season in 2021. Terrell is scheduled to make $12.3 million in 2024 under the fifth-year option.

The Falcons’ top corner is finally ready to return after missing the past three games. He will be a big boost for this high-totaled affair. Inactive for the Falcons are TE Feleipe Franks, S Jovante Moffatt, CB Rashad Fenton, ILB Nate Landman, TE Anthony Firkser, WR Bryan Edwards and DL Matt Dickerson.

Terrell has gotten in limited practices all week. It would seem to behoove the Falcons to slow play this if they don’t believe he can fully go, but Terrell is likely truly questionable after speaking to reporters on Thursday. If he does play, it will give Atlanta’s defense a boost in pass defense against Justin Fields.

Back-to-back days on the limited line put Terrell close to questionable for Week 11 after missing the last three weeks with a hamstring injury suffered in Week 7. It would be an enormous upgrade for the Falcons, who have been bleeding big plays ever since Terrell left the lineup, if he made it back. Friday’s status will be the final piece of the puzzle.

Safety Erik Harris was also ruled out. Terrell has been out since suffering the injury in Week 7. D.J. Moore squared off against an Atlanta defense missing Terrell two weeks ago and cooked them for 152 yards and a score. He projects as a strong WR2 option versus the same defense in Week 10.

The terrible Atlanta defense is that much worse without Terrell. His absence should be a boon for the fantasy prospects of Justin Herbert and LA’s pass catchers. Rotoworld’s Denny Carter highlighted the Chargers’ matchups against the Falcons in this week’s Fantasy Funnel column.