Atlanta Falcons talented interior defensive lineman Zach Harrison was in the middle of a breakout third season before suffering an undisclosed knee injury in Week 7, which eventually resulted in a season-ending setback in Week 10 and limited him to a career-low seven games. Harrison participated in spring workouts, but a setback led the Falcons to place him on the active/NFI list to start training camp, costing him the first week.
The former third-round pick played in all three preseason games and made the initial 53-man roster. However, in a shocking twist, the Falcons waived Harrison on Monday, most likely due to injury concerns. On top of that, the talented defensive lineman was not claimed off waivers despite the $1.309 million salary he was set to earn, suggesting that there is more to the story.
The Atlanta Falcons reunite with a former 3rd-round pick who was suddenly released
On X, the Falcons announced that they have signed Zach Harrison to the practice squad. Harrison can be elevated to the game-day roster three times without penalty; otherwise, a fourth elevation would require a promotion to the active roster. In a corresponding move, Atlanta also signed OLB Khalid Kareem and S Jammie Robinson to the practice squad while releasing OLB Cameron Sample and CB Cobee Bryant.
We have made the following roster moves:
– Signed Khalid Kareem, Zach Harrison and Jammie Robinson to PS
– Released Cam Sample and Cobee Bryant from PShttps://t.co/EMzAt5stq4pic.twitter.com/fV0LaNXyAX
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 2, 2026
Ian Cunningham reflected on the Falcons waiving Harrison
“A gut punch. He’s a pro’s pro. He’s a great guy. We got him back on practice squad, happy to get him back. It gives us some veteran leadership on practice squad. In the event we need him, he’ll be ready.”
Falcons GM Ian Cunningham said releasing Zach Harrison was “a gut punch. He’s a pro’s pro. He’s a great guy. We got him back on practice squad, happy to get him back. It gives us some veteran leadership on practice squad. In the event we need him, he’ll be ready.”
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) September 2, 2026
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