Full Breakdown
Falcons Name Five Captains for 2026 Season, No Quarterbacks Selected
9/4/2026, 12:06:51 AM
Core Event: Captain Selections
The Atlanta Falcons announced five team captains for the 2026 NFL season: running back Bijan Robinson, right guard Chris Lindstrom, safety Jessie Bates III, inside linebacker Divine Deablo, and kicker Nick Folk. The selections were made by a vote of teammates. Robinson, Deablo and Folk are first-time captains; Lindstrom earns the honor for the third time, and Bates returns for a fourth year. No quarterback was chosen as a captain.
Background & Context
The captain vote occurs as the franchise enters the Kevin Stefanski era, his first season as head coach. The team is also navigating a quarterback competition between Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., veteran backup Cooper Rush, and undrafted rookie Jack Strand. Both Tagovailoa and Penix remain in contention for the Week 1 starter role, and the Falcons have not yet announced a starting quarterback. In the previous season, the Falcons listed six captains, including quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Data & Statistics
- Five captains named for 2026.
- Three first-time captains: Robinson (RB), Deablo (LB), Folk (K).
- Lindstrom: third captaincy (previously 2023, 2025).
- Bates: fourth consecutive captaincy (since 2023).
- Quarterback roster: four quarterbacks retained on the 53-man roster.
Official Statements & Responses
General manager Ian Cunningham addressed the ongoing quarterback evaluation, emphasizing the team’s timeline: “When the coaches are ready, when the players are ready, we will make that decision,” — Ian Cunningham, general manager
Why It Matters
Captains serve as liaisons between players and coaches, help establish accountability, and represent the team in pre-game ceremonies. With the quarterback position undecided, the newly selected leaders—particularly first-time captains Robinson, Deablo and Folk—are expected to provide stability and a unified locker-room culture as the Falcons transition to a new coaching philosophy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When the coaches are ready, when the players are ready, we will make that decision,” — Ian Cunningham, general manager
What's Next
The Falcons will open the 2026 regular season on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 13. The outcome of the quarterback decision is expected to be clarified before that Week 1 matchup.
