Falcons open A.J. Terrell’s practice window after groin injury
Atlanta designated A.J. Terrell to return from injured reserve, giving the cornerback a path back to practice without yet activating him for a game
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The Atlanta Falcons have opened the return-from-injured-reserve window for A.J. Terrell. The move lets the cornerback practice again after a groin injury kept him out since Week 2; it does not by itself put him back on the active roster or guarantee he will play this week.
Terrell now has a 21-day practice window in which Atlanta can evaluate him before deciding whether to activate him. The distinction between practicing and playing is important for a secondary that has already had to make changes in his absence. C.J. Henderson initially filled the opening but has been out since a groin injury in Week 5; Terrell's younger brother Avieon took those duties last weekend. Atlanta's decision to start the window creates an opportunity to restore A.J. Terrell to that group, subject to how he handles practice.
Atlanta can activate him at any point in the window, but the announcement is the first step in the return process. His progress in practice will determine whether this becomes a Week 7 return or a longer ramp-up.