Who is set to step into Atlanta’s key roles for Week 10 vs. the Chiefs, and what health concerns remain?

Atlanta’s Week 10 plan centers on defensive adjustments after Jessie Bates III’s departure. Coach Kevin Stefanski indicated the starting plan is to put DeMarcco Hellams in Bates’ role, a deployment pattern Hellams also saw during training camp and the preseason.

Stefanski added that the response to losing Bates will not be a single-person substitution. He pointed to a broader “everybody steps up” approach from both players and coaches, and noted that Atlanta wants the group to provide “whatever our football team needs” as the week moves forward.

On offense, the Falcons said they “feel good” about Corey Levin taking over at center, with Levin viewed as the option filling in for the previous spot held by another player (referred to in the update as Neuzil’s spot). Stefanski specifically tied the decision to Levin’s experience at center and ability to think the game in a matchup planning week like this one.

In injury status, Atlanta’s update listed multiple players working through late-week decisions. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. was dealing with an illness and, along with James Pearce Jr. (back), was described as questionable heading into Sunday.

The Falcons’ Friday update further indicated Zachariah Branch was out, while Divine Deablo was considered doubtful for the Week 10 game. The team also provided practice availability changes across Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Atlanta framed the Bates trade as consistent with general manager Ian Cunningham’s draft approach, emphasizing that the decision was treated as a way to turn a veteran into future draft value rather than relying on potential compensatory pick outcomes.