Falcons offseason additions even more important following star corner's concerning injury update

As Atlanta's No. 1 corner, losing Terrell for any amount of time is troubling news. The Falcons don't have anyone who can take on his role as effectively, which will make the team's pass-rush vital to keeping pace with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South.

The unit was up to the task against the Vikings, sacking quarterback J.J. McCarthy six times, it's most in a road game since 2019. (h/t Stathead)

During free agency, the Falcons signed 10-year veteran Leonard Floyd to a one-year, $10 million contract. One month later, the front office added Jalon Walker (No. 15 overall) and James Pearce Jr. (No. 26 overall) in the first-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, trading a potentially valuable 2026 first in order to do so.

Through two games, Pearce leads Atlanta in total pressures (eight), while Floyd ranks second with seven, per Pro Football Focus data. Last Sunday, the Falcons pressured McCarthy on 53.3 percent of his dropbacks, the second-highest pressure rate of Week 2, only trailing the Buffalo Bills (58.1 percent).

Terrell has been excellent in the defensive backfield, allowing five receptions on 10 targets for 52 yards, including just four yards after the catch. As Falcons.com senior reporter Tori McElhaney noted on social media, Dee Alford, Clark Phillips and Natrone Brooks are names to watch as possible Terrell replacements.

Rookie fourth-rounder Billy Bowman Jr. has been excellent, allowing a 45.5 percent completion rate with an interception on 11 targets, but he's played the majority of his snaps at slot corner (84 percent), and a shift to outside corner might not be the right move this early in his career.

The Falcons are fortunate to have an early Week 5 bye this season, possibly giving Terrell a chance to return for a Week 6 game on Oct. 13 against the Buffalo Bills. Over the next two weeks, the Falcons plays the Carolina Panthers (0-2) and Washington Commanders (1-1). The Panthers have an inconsistent passing attack, while Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is dealing with a knee injury, potentially making both games manageable for Atlanta without Terrell.

But his absence is undoubtedly a hit to the Falcons secondary, one the team might not be able to replace with the players on their roster. It will be up to the team's pass-rush to mitigate the loss by keeping quarterbacks uncomfortable, forced to throw before they want to.

Terrell's injury is far from ideal, but with Atlanta's bevy of pass-rushing options, it has a better chance of emerging from the next few weeks unscathed.