Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys: Preview of Preseason Finale

The preseason wraps up this week for all 32 NFL teams, and the Atlanta Falcons will be playing the Dallas Cowboys in their final matchup.

The game will feature a homecoming for quarterback Ben DiNucci, who was originally selected by the Cowboys in the 7th round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

DiNucci was signed by Atlanta on Monday after quarterback Emory Jones suffered an injury in the Falcons' second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Raheem Morris told the media on Monday that neither Michael Penix Jr nor Kirk Cousins will suit up against the Cowboys, giving the game to Easton Stick and DiNucci.

First-round rookie pass rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. will not be playing in Friday’s game, Morris announced in his presser Wednesday morning.

“Jalon [Walker] will dress up, suit up; he will not play this week,” Morris said.

Walker is dealing with a groin injury that he suffered on the final play of joint practice with the Tennessee Titans last Wednesday. He did not play in Atlanta’s preseason game last Friday.

“No, James Pearce is done for the preseason as well,” Morris said. “He gave us a significant amount of snaps, a lot of snaps. I’m really pleased wth what he’s been able to do in the preseason.”

Pearce played well into the fourth quarter of Friday’s game. He recorded a game-high four pressures and forced a poor throw on Natrone Brooks’s interception of Titans quarterback Brandon Allen.

Pearce has seven pressures in two preseason games, tied for fifth in the preseason, according to PFF. 

“This is the make the roster game,” Morris said. “You know, this is where those guys solidify themselves on that 53-man roster or that practice squad or whatever the case may be, trying to finalize who you keep.”

Included in those players will be recent free agent acquisition, cornerback CJ Henderson, who Morris confirmed in his presser on Monday, will be playing in the Falcons' final preseason game.

Henderson was signed by Atlanta last week and could push for a roster spot in a relatively weak cornerback room. The former top-10 pick has been playing well in his first week in camp, recording an interception on Wednesday.