The Falcons will be notably shorthanded on defense for the foreseeable future. Billy Bowman Jr.‘s Achilles injury will leave him sidelined over at least the next four games. 
Bowman went down during a walk-through yesterday morning. It was already known the fourth-round rookie would miss Week 12, but head coach Raheem Morris‘ comments suggested a long-term absence would be in store. The Falcons placed Bowman on injured reserve today, a which move certainly points in that direction.
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A hamstring injury led to earlier missed time in Bowman’s case but when on the field he has logged a defensive snap share of 80%. The Oklahoma product has joined fellow rookie Xavier Watts as a regular presence in the secondary and thus played a central role in the Falcons’ youth movement on defense. In six games, Bowman has recorded one interception, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble while serving as Atlanta’s top slot corner. His rookie campaign is in danger of being over, however, based on the severity of this latest ailment.
Joining Bowman on IR is Zach Harrison. The third-year defensive lineman is dealing with a knee injury and will be unavailable for an extended period as a result. Harrison missed only one game across his first two seasons with Atlanta, but a notable stretch on the sidelines will now be in store. The 24-year-old has become a starter in 2025 with the Falcons beginning the post-Grady Jarrett period along the defensive interior.
Harrison has taken advantage of the increased workload, posting 4.5 sacks and five tackles for loss in just seven games. The former third-rounder will look to continue that production if he manages to return for the end of the campaign, one which is again on course to see the Falcons outside the playoff picture. Harrison’s rookie contract runs through 2026.
Atlanta did not immediately make any corresponding moves to fill Bowman and Harrison’s spots on the active roster. The team did, however, add safety Jammie Robinson and receiver Dylan Drummond from the practice squad as gameday elevations. Those two are in line to play tomorrow against the Saints.