As the NFL season charges into Week 3 on this crisp September 23, 2026, the Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers are already deep in preparation for their upcoming showdown. Both teams hit the practice field on Tuesday, and the injury reports that followed painted a starkly different picture for each franchise. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Falcons are reeling from a significant loss on defense, while the Packers are managing a laundry list of ailments that could test their depth.
Falcons' Secondary Takes a Hit: A.J. Terrell Placed on IR
The most jarring news out of Flowery Branch is that star cornerback A.J. Terrell has been placed on injured reserve due to a groin injury suffered in Week 2. Terrell, a cornerstone of Atlanta's defense since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, will now miss a minimum of four games. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but the move signals a serious blow to a secondary already navigating the early-season grind. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Terrell's absence leaves a gaping hole opposite fellow cornerback Billy Bowman Jr., who himself was a full participant despite an Achilles issue.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa continues to trend in the right direction. After being limited in Monday's estimated report with an oblique injury, Tagovailoa practiced fully on Tuesday, alleviating fears of a setback. His availability is crucial for an Atlanta offense still finding its rhythm. However, the team was without defensive end Samson Ebukam (hamstring) for the second straight day, and several others were listed as full participants, including tight end Nick Muse (shoulder), defensive end Brandon Dorlus (thumb), offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor (rib), running back Brian Robinson (ankle), and defensive lineman LaCale London (hip). The Falcons also have Michael Penix Jr. (knee) on the report, though he was a full participant, suggesting he's nearing a return if needed.
Packers Battling Depth Issues Across the Roster
In Green Bay, the Packers held a walkthrough on Tuesday, but their injury report still revealed plenty of concerns. The most notable addition was rookie guard Anthony Belton, who was limited with an elbow injury. Belton, a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has been thrust into a starting role and his availability bears watching. The Packers also had several players limited, including cornerback Brandon Cisse (teeth), defensive tackle Anthony Campbell (ankle), linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (shoulder), and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (knee, concussion). Hargrave's status is particularly important given his disruptive presence in the interior.
Meanwhile, the Packers saw full participation from cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (hamstring) and wide receiver Bo Melton (neck), positive signs for a team that needs all hands on deck. However, they had four players sit out entirely: offensive linemen Zach Bako-Bewele (knee) and Aaron Banks (knee, toe), defensive tackle Warren Brinson (calf), and wide receiver Jayden Reed (neck). Reed's absence is especially concerning for a passing game that relies on his playmaking ability.
"Injuries are part of the game, but losing a player of A.J. Terrell's caliber is a tough pill to swallow," a Falcons team source told Vulius Sports. "We have confidence in our depth, but it's next man up."
What This Means for the Upcoming Matchup
As both teams finalize their game plans, the injury reports will be updated throughout the week. For the Falcons, the focus will be on shoring up the secondary and ensuring Tagovailoa has enough protection to exploit a banged-up Packers defense. For Green Bay, getting healthy along the offensive and defensive lines is paramount. With the season still young, every game counts, and these injuries could shape the NFC playoff picture. Stay tuned to Vulius for the latest updates, and gear up with official NFL merchandise to support your team through the grind.
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