Who Is the Atlanta Falcons’ Backup Quarterback? A Local Fan’s Guide

If you follow the Atlanta Falcons closely, you know that the backup quarterback situation can be almost as important as the starter—especially in a football city like Atlanta, Georgia, where fans pay attention to every depth chart move.

Because NFL rosters change frequently, the exact name of the Atlanta Falcons’ backup quarterback can change from season to season, and even week to week. Contracts, injuries, practice squad moves, and coaching decisions all play a role. So instead of locking into one specific name that may no longer be current, this guide will walk you through:

• How to find out who the current backup QB is
• What the backup quarterback’s role is in Atlanta’s offense
• How roster decisions are typically made by the Falcons
• Where and how you can follow depth chart updates in Atlanta
• Tips if you’re going to Falcons games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and want to watch the QBs closely

How to Check Who the Falcons’ Current Backup Quarterback Is

Because the roster can shift quickly, the most reliable way for an Atlanta fan or visitor to know who is backing up the starting quarterback right now is to check a few official and widely-used sources just before game day.

1. Official Team Depth Chart

The Falcons publish an official depth chart during the season. This usually shows:

• QB1 – Starting quarterback
• QB2 – Primary backup quarterback
• QB3 – Third-string or emergency quarterback (if used)

You can typically find the current depth chart through:

• The Atlanta Falcons official website
• Game programs and digital boards at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Pre-game coverage on local Atlanta sports media

Because depth charts are updated throughout the season, checking them the week of the game is the best way to know who the backup quarterback is at that moment.

2. Local Atlanta Sports Media

In Atlanta, several outlets closely track Falcons roster moves and quarterback depth:

• Sports talk radio shows around the I-285 perimeter
• Local TV sports segments on Atlanta stations
• Newspapers and digital sports sections that cover Falcons practices and press conferences

These outlets often break down whether the backup QB might see playing time, especially if the starter is dealing with an injury or if the coaching staff hints at possible changes.

What Does the Backup Quarterback Do in Atlanta’s Offense?

For fans in Atlanta, understanding what the backup quarterback actually does helps make sense of why the team signs certain players and how they’re used.

Key Responsibilities of the Falcons’ Backup QB

The backup quarterback in Atlanta typically:

• Prepares as if they will start every week, in case of injury or performance issues with the starter
• Runs the scout team in practices, helping the defense prepare for the upcoming opponent
• Learns the Falcons’ offensive system in depth—timing with Atlanta’s receivers, familiarity with the offensive line, and comfort with the playbook
• Communicates regularly with the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on game plan adjustments

In a city like Atlanta, where fans are very aware of offensive production, the backup quarterback is often a hot topic when:

• The offense is struggling
• The starter has taken a lot of hits
• There’s a promising young quarterback waiting behind a veteran

Types of Backup Quarterbacks the Falcons Tend to Carry

The profile of the Atlanta Falcons’ backup quarterback can change depending on where the team is in its competitive cycle.

Common types you might see in Atlanta:

1. Veteran Backup

   • Has started games for other NFL teams
   • Brought in to add stability and leadership
   • Often used when the Falcons have a younger starter who needs experience behind him

2. Developing Young QB

   • Drafted or signed with the goal of becoming a future starter
   • May start as QB2 or QB3 on the depth chart
   • Fans in Atlanta often watch preseason games closely to see how this quarterback progresses

3. Practice Squad or Emergency QB

   • May move up and down between the practice squad and active roster
   • Used for depth in case of injuries or COVID-era roster adjustments
   • Sometimes activated for specific game situations or late-season evaluations

Where the Backup QB Fits on the Falcons’ Depth Chart

Below is a simple way to think about how the quarterback room is structured for the Atlanta Falcons:

On game day in Atlanta, you may or may not see all three active depending on game-day roster rules and coaching decisions.

How the Falcons Decide on Their Backup Quarterback

If you live in Atlanta and follow training camp or preseason closely, you’ll see that the backup quarterback battle is often one of the most-discussed position competitions.

Factors that typically influence who wins the backup job:

• Command of the playbook – How quickly and accurately the QB can run the Falcons’ offense
• Preseason performance – How they look in games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and on the road
• Practice consistency in Flowery Branch – Where the Falcons hold training camp and practices
• Chemistry with Atlanta’s receivers and tight ends
• Turnover risk – Coaches often prefer a backup who protects the football

Atlanta fans who attend open practices or preseason home games often pay close attention to backup QBs during warmups, 7-on-7 drills, and second-half reps.

Watching the Backup Quarterback at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

If you’re going to a game in downtown Atlanta, the stadium experience gives you a good chance to watch the backup quarterback closely, even if they don’t play in the regular season.

Where to Focus Your Attention

• Pregame warmups

  • Backups usually throw alongside the starter
  • Watch for timing with receivers and footwork in individual drills

• Sideline body language

  • Many fans notice how engaged the backup is with coaches and teammates
  • Backup QBs often hold a tablet or play sheet and review defensive looks with the starter

• Late-game snaps

  • In some preseason games or lopsided regular-season matchups, the backup QB may enter late
  • This is often when Atlanta coaches evaluate how they handle a live game situation

How Atlanta Fans Can Stay Up to Date on Quarterback Changes

Because quarterback depth charts are so important, Falcons fans in Atlanta usually keep a close eye on:

• Injury reports – Indicate whether the starter or backup is limited or questionable
• Local press conferences – The head coach and offensive coordinator often comment on QB performance
• Transaction logs – Signings, practice squad elevations, and releases can signal changes at QB2 or QB3

Many Atlanta residents follow these updates through:

• Local sports radio stations that discuss Falcons lineups daily
• Digital sports sections that provide day-before-game rundowns
• Social media accounts dedicated to Atlanta football coverage

Backup Quarterbacks and the Atlanta Football Culture

In a football-heavy state like Georgia, the conversation about quarterbacks extends from high school fields across metro Atlanta to college programs like Georgia Tech and Georgia and finally to the Falcons.

For Falcons fans:

• The backup QB can represent hope for the future if the offense struggles
• A strong performance from a backup in a spot start can quickly turn them into a fan favorite
• Preseason games in Atlanta often serve as the main showcase for backup QBs competing for roster spots

When you’re living in or visiting Atlanta, following the backup quarterback storylines gives you a deeper insight into how the franchise is planning for both the current season and the years ahead.

Quick Checklist: How to Know Who the Falcons’ Backup QB Is Right Now

If you want an easy routine as an Atlanta fan:

1. Early in the week:

   • Glance at the Falcons’ posted depth chart to see who is listed as QB2.

2. Midweek:

   • Check injury updates and local sports coverage in Atlanta for any quarterback news.

3. Game day in Atlanta:

   • Look at the active/inactive list and pregame notes to confirm who is dressed and designated as backup.
   • Watch pregame warmups at Mercedes-Benz Stadium if you’re attending in person.

By following these steps, you’ll always know who the Atlanta Falcons’ backup quarterback is at the moment, how secure their spot seems, and how they fit into the bigger picture of football in Atlanta.