The Atlanta Falcons appear to be trending in the right direction after an offseason filled with uncertainty. On Monday, the team received several positive developments, including the return of rookie cornerback Avieon Terrell and quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s official return to 11-on-11 drills. Terrell is still not participating in team drills but took in the step in the right direction by returning to the field on Monday. That wasn't all, though. Falcons edge rusher Za'Darius Smith made his practice debut after missing the team's joint practices with the Colts last week. However, Smith was limited to individual drills as he works through his acclimation period, per team reporter Tori McElhaney. "Newly signed edge rusher Za'Darius Smith participated in individual drills and was present with a helmet, but he has not taken any team reps yet as he continues his acclimation period." Smith was brought in to help replace Falcons edge rushers Jalon Walker (season-ending ACL tear) and James Pearce Jr. (eight-game suspension). Head coach Kevin Stefanski recently praised Smith's physicality and three-down ability. "Za'Darius brings physicality," Stefanski said on Wednesday. "Obviously, he's somebody that I've been with so I have a comfort level with. Za'Darius the person and Za'Darius the player certainly brings an element of, you know, veteran pass rusher, but a guy who can play on all downs."
What up, Big Z! pic.twitter.com/eREzcLn3Wl — Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 24, 2026 The Falcons have two more practices before this Friday's preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins. We'll see if Tua Tagovailoa gets the start against his former team, or if Michael Penix Jr. gets to make his preseason debut. Check back for the team's depth chart, which should come out on Tuesday afternoon.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons EDGE Za'Darius Smith makes debut, rookie CB returns