Steve Cannon Vice Chairman - Ambse | Atlanta Falcons Website
Steve Cannon Vice Chairman - Ambse | Atlanta Falcons Website
Offensive lineman Matt Hennessy and inside linebacker Josh Woods have been promoted from the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad for Week 5, as announced by the team on Thursday. The Falcons, currently holding a 2-2 record, are set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who stand at 3-1, in a prime-time "Thursday Night Football" game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
This elevation marks Hennessy's second of the season and Woods' first. Both players are expected to bolster key areas amid the team's injury challenges.
In the offensive line, center Drew Dalman is on injured reserve. Although left tackle Kaleb McGary has not received a game designation and seems likely to play, he has been managing a knee injury that kept him out of Week 4. Hennessy's presence offers additional support if needed.
Hennessy was picked by the Falcons in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Over three seasons, he played in 41 games and started 22. After becoming a free agent in 2024 and spending preseason with the Philadelphia Eagles, he returned to the Falcons.
On the defensive side, inside linebacker Nate Landman remains on injured reserve while Troy Andersen will miss Thursday's game due to a knee issue. Rookie JD Bertrand is expected to make his debut start in Andersen's absence. Woods will add depth in this area.
Woods entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears in 2019. He has played in 65 games with eight starts during his career. His achievements include a personal-high of 61 tackles for the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, along with half a sack, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble. He also recovered a fumble with the Bears in 2020.
Previous practice squad elevations for this season include cornerback Kevin King and wide receiver Chris Blair for Week 1; safety Dane Cruikshank for Week 2; none for Week 3; and offensive lineman Matt Hennessy again for Week 4.
Teams can elevate up to two practice squad players per game each week. A player can be elevated three times before needing to be signed to the active roster if required again.
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