Atlanta Falcons hold rookies Anterio Thompson and Avieon Terrell out of minicamp due to injuries
Atlanta Falcons hold rookies Anterio Thompson and Avieon Terrell out of minicamp due to injuries originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Atlanta Falcons will be without two members of their 2026 rookie class during on-field activities at rookie minicamp after head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Friday that defensive tackle Anterio Thompson and cornerback Avieon Terrell are currently sidelined with injuries.
Stefanski told reporters that both rookies will remain involved with meetings and team activities throughout the weekend, but neither player will participate in drills as the Falcons take a cautious approach with their recovery. Reports indicated Terrell is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Thompson’s injury has not yet been publicly disclosed. Falcons take cautious approach with injured rookie defenders Terrell enters the NFL after an impressive 2025 season at Clemson Tigers, where he earned First-Team All-ACC honors and established himself as one of the conference’s top defensive backs.
The Atlanta native finished last season with 58 total tackles, two interceptions, and multiple pass breakups while consistently matching up against opposing teams’ top receivers. His strong coverage ability and athleticism helped make him the Falcons’ second-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Thompson, selected in the sixth round out of the Washington Huskies, developed into a disruptive force along the defensive line during his final collegiate season.
The powerful interior defender recorded 32 tackles, 5. 5 tackles for loss, and three sacks while helping anchor Washington’s front seven. Atlanta views Thompson as a developmental player who could add valuable depth to the defensive line rotation moving forward.
Although the injuries will temporarily delay both players’ on-field development, the Falcons remain optimistic about their long-term potential. Rookie minicamp is designed to help young players adjust to NFL systems and expectations, and the organization believes both Thompson and Terrell can continue learning while recovering.