Falcons trim roster ahead of 53-man deadline after Cowboys loss

The Atlanta Falcons opened the final week of August with a preseason loss and began shedding players toward Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline. A 31-13 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys capped a winless exhibition slate and left the team to navigate a crowded 90-man roster down to the league maximum while managing injury concerns that could shape the opening weeks of the season.

Coach Raheem Morris acknowledged the pressure and emotional cost of cutting days in a process that will determine the bulk of the Falcons’ depth. He stressed that while the cuts are always difficult, they are a necessary step as Atlanta pivots toward game-week preparations. The team announced its first wave of releases on Saturday, a move that reduced the roster to 77 players and signaled the work that remains before Tuesday’s deadline.

Several players were among those let go, including quarterback Ben DiNucci, running back Elijah Dotson, defensive lineman Morgan Fox, offensive lineman Matthew Cindric, cornerback Lamar Jackson, inside linebackers Caleb Johnson and Nick Kubitz, tight end Nikola Kalinic, wide receivers Jesse Matthews and Quincy Skinner Jr., edge rusher Ronnie Perkins, and safety Josh Thompson....