The Atlanta Falcons will be without rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch against Cincinnati, but they received a boost ahead of Sunday’s international game: defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. has been cleared, while running back Brian Robinson Jr. and linebacker Divine Deablo remain questionable.
Falcons injury designations for Week 9
| Player | Position | Injury | Friday status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zachariah Branch | WR | Hamstring | Out |
| Billy Bowman Jr. | DB | Hamstring | Cleared / full participation |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | RB | Hamstring | Questionable |
| Divine Deablo | LB | Forearm | Questionable |
| James Pearce Jr. | DE | Not injury related | Questionable |
| Yasir Abdullah | LB | Hamstring | Questionable |
| Beaux Collins | WR | Hip | Full participation |
| Cameron Williams | OT | Ankle | Questionable |
Zachariah Branch ruled out
Branch will miss the Week 9 game after sustaining a hamstring injury. The rookie has operated as a complementary option in Atlanta’s receiving group and has also contributed as a kickoff and punt returner. His absence reduces the Falcons’ depth at wide receiver and takes one return option out of the game plan.
Branch was listed as a non-participant in practice throughout the week. Head coach Kevin Stefanski had indicated earlier that the injury would keep the rookie out of the Madrid matchup, and the Friday status report confirmed the designation.
Billy Bowman Jr. cleared to return
Bowman is the most encouraging development on Atlanta’s report. The defensive back worked through a hamstring issue, returned to full participation and was cleared for Sunday’s game. His availability gives the secondary another option against a Cincinnati offense led by Joe Burrow and top receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Divine Deablo remain questionable
Robinson remained limited with a hamstring injury on Friday and carries a questionable designation. His status will be important for the Falcons’ backfield rotation. If he is available, Atlanta would have another physical option alongside Bijan Robinson; if not, the workload distribution could shift.
Deablo was a full participant in Friday’s practice after working through a forearm injury earlier in the week, but he was still listed as questionable. His potential return would strengthen the linebacker group.
James Pearce Jr. expected back in the pass rush
Pearce is listed as questionable after completing an eight-game suspension. Atlanta defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said the team expects to use the edge rusher in a pass-rush role, with his snap count managed as he returns to game action. His availability is not an injury clearance, and his workload should be monitored separately from the team’s other health designations.
What the report means for Falcons vs. Bengals
Branch’s absence is a confirmed loss, while Bowman being cleared is an important boost for the secondary. Atlanta’s biggest remaining question is whether Robinson can suit up and provide another backfield option. Deablo and Pearce could also give the defense additional depth if active.
Related Sportimatic coverage
- Bengals vs. Falcons Week 9 preview
- NFL injury updates and player status hub
- More NFL news and analysis
Sources
- Atlanta Falcons: Friday injury report and game designations
- Bengals: Week 9 injury report
- NFL official injury report
Injury information reflects the Falcons’ Friday, November 6 game-status report. Questionable designations are not final inactive decisions; confirm the official game-day list before kickoff.
