Who Is the Atlanta Falcons’ Running Back? A Local Fan’s Guide

If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or are planning a trip to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, it helps to know who is lining up at running back for the Atlanta Falcons. The position is a big part of the team’s identity and game-day experience, and it shapes what you’ll see on the field when you head downtown for a Sunday kickoff.

Because NFL rosters change with injuries, trades, and coaching decisions, it’s useful to understand who the key running backs are, how the depth chart typically works, and how you can stay up to date right here in Atlanta.

The Falcons’ Primary Running Back

In recent seasons, the Falcons’ backfield has been built around a feature back plus one or two complementary options. The primary running back is usually:

• The player who gets the most rushing attempts
• A focal point of the offensive game plan
• Frequently used in both the run game and short passing game

For fans in Atlanta, this is the player you’ll see most often when the offense lines up at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, especially on early downs and near the goal line.

Because the team may adjust starters based on performance and health, the “main” running back can shift during the year. Local fans often keep up with this via:

• Preseason games and training camp reports at IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch
• Weekly depth chart updates
• Coach and player interviews from the team facility

Falcons Running Back Roles: Starter, Backup, and Specialist

Even if you know who the current starting running back is, it helps to understand how the position group works. When you attend a game in Atlanta or watch from home, you’ll usually see a rotation like this:

1. Lead or Feature Back

This is typically the player most people mean when they ask, “Who is the Falcons’ running back?”

Common responsibilities:

• Taking the majority of early-down carries
• Running inside and outside zone plays
• Catching short passes and screens
• Protecting the quarterback in pass protection

2. Change‑of‑Pace / Passing‑Down Back

The second running back often brings a different style:

• Quicker, shiftier runner for outside runs and draws
• More involved in third‑down passing situations
• Used to create mismatches against linebackers in space

You might see this player more often in no‑huddle or when the Falcons are chasing points.

3. Power Back or Short‑Yardage Specialist

Some seasons, Atlanta uses a back who focuses on:

• Goal‑line runs
• Third‑and‑short situations
• Helping finish drives by powering through stacked defenses

This player may not get as many touches, but they can be very visible near the end zone, especially when the crowd in Atlanta rises for a key third down.

Typical Falcons Running Back Depth Chart (Simple Overview)

While specific names change, the structure of the running back room usually looks something like this:

For fans in Atlanta, this means multiple players will take snaps at running back in most games, so you’ll likely see more than one name featured when you attend a Falcons home game.

How to Check Who the Current Falcons Running Back Is (Right Now)

Because rosters move quickly, the most practical step for someone in Atlanta is to verify the current depth chart before you head to a game or watch party. Here’s how you can keep up, locally:

1. Official Team Channels

The most reliable place to confirm who the current starting running back is:

• Atlanta Falcons Official Media
  Look for:
  • Weekly unofficial depth charts
  • Injury reports released before each game
  • Pre‑game notes and press conferences

These sources are updated throughout the week leading up to kickoff at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, so they reflect the latest coaching decisions.

2. Local Sports Coverage in Atlanta

Local outlets often break down how the Falcons will use their running backs:

• Atlanta sports radio
  Stations commonly discuss:

  • Who is expected to get the majority of carries
  • Fantasy football angles (which often track usage closely)
  • Post‑game analysis of running back performance

• Local TV sports segments
  Evening news segments in Atlanta usually highlight:

  • Standout rushing performances
  • Injuries affecting the backfield
  • Quotes from the coaching staff about game plans

If you’re in the city, this is an easy way to stay informed just by following regular local sports coverage.

Experiencing the Falcons Running Game in Atlanta

If you’re planning to see the Falcons’ running backs in person, here are a few Atlanta‑specific tips.

Watching at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

Location:
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
1 AMB Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

What to know as a fan:

• The running game often looks different from field level versus television. If you like seeing run lanes develop, seating between the 20‑yard lines can give you the best view of blocks opening up for the running back.
• On key short‑yardage plays, the crowd in Atlanta typically swells in volume. The running back is central to those moments, especially on third‑and‑short and goal‑line carries.
• The stadium’s video boards usually show replays of big runs, so even if you miss the initial burst through the line, you can catch the replay immediately.

Training Camp and Open Practices

If you want to see how the Falcons choose and develop their running backs, you may be able to attend open practices:

Falcons Training Facility (Practice Site)
IBM Performance Field (Atlanta Falcons Headquarters)
4400 Falcon Parkway
Flowery Branch, GA 30542

During training camp and some parts of preseason, the team typically:

• Rotates running backs heavily in drills and scrimmages
• Tests players on pass protection, receiving, and situational runs
• Gives fans a closer look at who might rise up the depth chart

Open practice schedules, fan policies, and parking details change year to year, so check current information before making the drive from Atlanta up to Flowery Branch.

Why the Running Back Matters to Falcons Fans in Atlanta

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, knowing who the Falcons’ running back is can shape how you experience football in the city:

• Game‑day identity: The style of the lead back (powerful, elusive, or versatile) often defines the “feel” of the Falcons offense.
• Local conversations: At workplaces in Midtown, tailgates around the Gulch, or watch parties in Buckhead, discussion often centers on whether the team is “feeding” the right back or using the running game enough.
• Fantasy and betting interest: Many local fans track the Falcons running back usage for fantasy leagues or legal sports wagering, making accurate depth chart info valuable before each Sunday.

How to Quickly Answer “Who Is the Atlanta Falcons Running Back?” Today

If you need the up‑to‑the‑minute answer—for example, before heading to a game, buying a jersey at the team store, or joining a fantasy draft in Atlanta—use this quick checklist:

1. Check the latest unofficial depth chart to see who is listed as RB1.
2. Confirm injury reports to make sure the top running back is active.
3. Look at recent game box scores or recaps to see which back had the most carries and snaps.
4. Listen to or watch local pre‑game coverage in Atlanta, where hosts often summarize exactly how the Falcons plan to split running back touches that week.

By combining these local resources, you can confidently identify who the current primary Atlanta Falcons running back is and enjoy a more informed, connected game‑day experience in Atlanta.