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Falcons Recap: Deion Sanders, Van Jefferson, Kurt Benkert

Matt Urben
·5 min read
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It’s been a roller-coaster season for the Atlanta Falcons thus far in 2023. After opening the year with two straight wins, the team lost two games in a row before bouncing back in Week 5.

All things considered, the Falcons are in good shape at 3-2 heading into their Week 6 matchup against the Commanders. The team traded for wide receiver Van Jefferson on Tuesday, adding some much-needed speed on the outside.

In today’s recap, Deion Sanders comments on his sons potentially playing in Atlanta, former Falcons QB Kurt Benkert spills the beans on his time in Green Bay, and we look at the team’s latest injury updates.

Deion Sanders suggests Falcons add his two sons

Deion Sanders got the fan base excited when he told Falcons scout Rich Sanders that he wouldn’t come back unless the team brought both of his sons to Atlanta. Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders and DB Shilo Sanders are both exciting potential NFL prospects. Whether or not it ever happens, Prime Time definitely knows how to generate headlines.

Van Jefferson, Kyle Pitts reunited in ATL

The Falcons sent a sixth-round pick in 2025 to the Rams in exchange for WR Van Jefferson and a seventh-round pick in 2025. Jefferson, a former second-round pick out of Florida, now gets to reunite with Kyle Pitts in Atlanta. Both players seemed excited about the trade, per FOX-5’s Kelly Price.

Ex-Falcons QB Kurt Benkert on butting heads with Packers HC

Benkert was a fun player when he was in Atlanta and he continues to be an interesting follow on social media. The former Falcons QB talked about his time in Green Bay and “butting heads” with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur on Twitter:

“On a personal level, outside of football – our personalities couldn’t have been more opposite and when you spend countless hours with someone in a meeting room you grow to know them. My personality meshed really well with some of the other coaches, and not so much with his.“

C.J. Stroud comments on late TD pass vs. Falcons

Despite losing the game, Texans rookie QB C.J. Stroud played well against the Falcons in Week 5. Stroud nearly threw a game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Schultz in the fourth quarter. Stroud talked about how he had to figure out a way to beat Falcons safety Jessie Bates for the touchdown.

PFF offensive line rankings

The Falcons haven’t been great in pass protection this season, but they still have one of the more talented offensive lines in the NFL. Pro Football Focus ranked Atlanta’s offensive line No. 6 in the league after Week 5.

Rashaan Evans signs with Cowboys

Former Falcons linebacker Rashaan Evans has officially landed in Dallas with Dan Quinn and the Cowboys. Evans has signed to the team’s practice squad. We’ll see if he gets signed to the active roster before their next game.

Falcons Week 6 injury report

Player

Injury

Wed

Thu

Fri

Status

Calais Campbell

Rest

DNP

FP

Bud Dupree

Wrist

LP

FP

Jonnu Smith

Ankle

LP

FP

Kaleb McGary

Knee

LP

LP

Kaleb McGary left Sunday’s win due to a knee injury, but the Falcons right tackle was back at practice the last two days as a limited participant. After getting a veteran rest day on Wednesday, defensive lineman Calais Campbell returned to practice Thursday.

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Story originally appeared on Falcons Wire