Falcons place Trey Sermon on injured reserve

The Atlanta Falcons have placed running back Trey Sermon on injured reserve, according to the team’s official announcement. The move removes Sermon from the Falcons’ active roster while he recovers, and it indicates that Atlanta will need to rely on other backs for the time being.

Sermon’s time in Atlanta began earlier in August, when he signed with the Falcons. His placement on injured reserve comes shortly after that signing, turning a recent addition into a short-term setback for the organization’s preseason plans and backfield rotation. In practical terms, injured reserve typically limits a player’s participation while the team continues to prepare its depth chart.

For the Falcons, the timing matters. August roster decisions often tighten as preseason practices progress, with teams looking to separate stable pieces from more tentative options at each position. A running back being sidelined during this window can increase opportunities for others to take reps, particularly in sessions that shape game-week roles such as pass protection duties and short-yardage packages.

The move also affects how Atlanta manages carries and workload. Even when a starter and primary backup remain healthy, teams generally keep at least one additional depth option ready to handle special teams responsibilities and spot duty if practice injuries or late bumps occur. With Sermon on injured reserve, Atlanta’s internal competition for those roles becomes more consequential, and the coaching staff will likely emphasize evaluations with the remaining backs.

Sermon’s injury reserve designation is also a reminder of how quickly NFL training-camp plans can change. For players signing late or joining after offseason workouts, the early weeks can be defined by learning the offense and building trust with the play caller and offensive line. When that process is interrupted, it can delay a return to the field and slow a player’s ability to demonstrate readiness in live action.

Looking ahead, the Falcons will continue to adjust their backfield depth plan around the status of the rest of the position group. While injured reserve is intended to support longer-term recovery, the team’s immediate focus will be on ensuring depth remains functional for the remainder of camp and preseason, and on maintaining continuity in the running game and in blocking assignments that require cohesion between the backfield and the offensive front.