Atlanta Falcons in Madrid: Week 9 injury updates against Bengals
The Atlanta Falcons arrived in Madrid this week and released practice and injury updates ahead of their Week 9 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. The team said players would be monitored closely as the weekend approached, with several status questions lingering after practice Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid for the game on Sunday. The story was published Nov. 6, 2026.
The Falcons said the offense is seeking redemption after a lackluster performance in Tampa Bay last Sunday and have been deliberate in their preparation overseas. Wide receiver Drake London said the team has been “as intentional as can be” in addressing issues and that coaches have been direct in pointing out areas that need correction. He said the staff spoke honestly to help the team improve. Atlanta is aiming to “get back to who they are” when it takes the field in Spain.
The club released a series of injury reports during the week while it prepared in Madrid. James Pearce Jr., who can return from an eight-game suspension this Sunday, experienced a back flare at practice on Friday and is listed as questionable. Divine Deablo is also listed as questionable, safety Billy Bowman Jr. has been cleared to play, and running back Brian Robinson Jr. has been ruled out. The team issued estimated and updated reports Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as it finalized its roster availability for the international matchup.
The Falcons highlighted several player milestones and statistical notes heading into Week 9. Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. has a touchdown reception in three straight home games, the first time he has done that in a single season. Running back Bijan Robinson has 983 scrimmage yards this season, 17 shy of 1,000 yards and a fourth consecutive 1,000-yard start to his career. Since joining the Falcons in 2023, safety Jessie Bates III is the only NFL player with at least 10 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles for that span, totaling 14 interceptions and 11 forced fumbles.
Behind-the-scenes coverage in Madrid included team travel and practice access at Real Madrid’s training facility, where the Falcons shared photos from their week overseas. The club nominated former running back Jerious Norwood for the NFL’s Salute to Service Award and honored him at a Team Rubicon volunteer event outside Atlanta. The Falcons also noted a visit by José Mourinho to practice and posted fan-facing social content to chronicle the international trip.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Falcons are managing the usual pregame variables with the added complexity of an international trip, which can magnify the effect of minor injuries and practice disruptions. The questionable designations for James Pearce Jr. and Divine Deablo warrant attention because their availability could affect depth and game planning late in the week. Atlanta will rely on playmakers such as Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts Sr. to provide stability and will need cleaner execution in Spain to right the offense after its recent struggles.