Thomas Takes Over Pass Rush | Atlanta Falcons News

The Falcons’ pass rush is in flux after key losses, with Jalon Walker’s ACL tear and James Pearce Jr.’s eight-game suspension forcing a quick fix. Cameron Thomas, a 26-year-old entering his contract year, has earned the starting role thanks to his camp consistency as a run defender and situational pass-rusher—despite modest career stats. ZaDarius Smith, a proven sack machine with ties to the coaching staff, is back but still rehabbing; at 34 and considering retirement, he’s not expected to return to Pro Bowl form immediately. The team now runs a five-man rotation led by Thomas, with Bralen Trice also stepping up from the practice squad, setting up a Week One showdown against the Steelers—and leaving room for Smith’s potential resurgence later in the season. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://bloggingdirty.com/cameron-thomas-has-a-lot-to-prove-to-kevin-stefanski-in-falcons-season-opener-01m25yzy5hf8 More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/32d38a623b73aa0c Report issues to [email protected].