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Falcons Announce Roster Decision After Sunday Night Football Loss to 49ers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 5:10 PM ET

The Atlanta Falcons have one of the NFL's most dynamic offensive players in Bijan Robinson, but the San Francisco 49ers neutralized his rushing powers on Sunday night. The 2024 Pro Bowler had just 40 rushing yards on 14 carries (2.9 yards-per-rush), which put more pressure on second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr..

The former Washington Huskie finished with 21 completions on 38 attempts for 241 yards with one touchdown and one lost fumble. His one scoring toss went to Robinson, who finished with six catches and 52 receiving yards.

The Falcons lost 20-10, another example of how difficult it is for them to win without a dominant performance from the star tailback. He finished with at least 100 rushing or receiving yards in each of their three victories so far this season.

However, Atlanta is now taking action. The club announced three roster moves on Tuesday via its social media.

Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (34)Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

It released wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III, signed offensive tackle Raiqwon O'Neal, and placed offensive tackles Ryan Hayes on practice squad IR.

McCloud signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Falcons in September 2024 via Spotrac. The former Clemson Tiger was the team's third-leading receiving last season, but he tallied just six catches for 64 yards across four games played this year. His absence could allow backup wideouts like 2024 sixth-round pick Casey Washington (69 yards this season) to make a bigger impact in the passing game, which would take pressure off of Robinson.

We have made the following roster moves

- Released Ray-Ray McCloud III
- Signed Raiqwon O'Neal to practice squad
- Placed Ryan Hayes on practice squad IR
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 21, 2025

Falcons Must Beat Dolphins

Atlanta is now 3-3, a half-game behind the Carolina Panthers for second place in the NFC South. Although there's still 11 games left, it can't afford to lose to the 1-6 Miami Dolphins at home in Week 8.

The Dolphins are one of the worst teams in the NFL, as their only victory was against the winless New York Jets. They just got stomped 31-6 by the Cleveland Browns, who were 1-5 entering the contest and starting third-round rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

If the Falcons want to be serious playoff contenders, they must beat the bottom-feeders. They showed they can beat elite teams with their 24-14 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 6, so there's no reason to lose to Miami.

If Atlanta does win, it'll be 4-3 heading into its road matchup with the 5-2 New England Patriots. That's an encouraging outlook for an organization that hasn't made the postseason since 2017.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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