Falcons struggle in preseason opener, falling to Broncos 27-7
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 11:02 AM
Last updated Aug 16, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons faced a challenging start to their 2026 preseason, losing to the Denver Broncos 27-7 at home on Friday night. The defeat was compounded by significant injury issues, with Jalon Walker suffering a season-ending ACL tear and James Pearce Jr. receiving an eight-game suspension. Quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Cooper Rush struggled during the game, with only undrafted rookie Jack Strand showing any signs of effective play against the Broncos’ second-string. As the Falcons assess their roster, they may need to seek external help to bolster their edge rush, which was ineffective in the matchup.
- •Falcons lose 27-7 to Broncos in preseason opener on August 15, 2026.
- •Jalon Walker out for season with an ACL tear; James Pearce Jr. suspended for eight games.
- •Tua Tagovailoa fumbles on his second snap; Cooper Rush performs poorly.
- •Undrafted rookie Jack Strand shows promise against Denver's backups.
- •Falcons may need to seek outside help to strengthen edge rush.
- 11:02 AMYahoo Sports — Falcons named among NFL's biggest preseason Week 1 losers
"Falcons earn spot on preseason losers list after rough opening weekend
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