LOOK: Falcons Reveal Depth Chart Before Season Opener vs. Panthers - 4 Takeaways

Before kicking off the regular season against the Carolina Panthers, the Atlanta Falcons have released their first depth chart.

The Atlanta Falcons returned to the practice field earlier this week at Flowery Branch with a feeling much different than every other Monday practice in the past five months - the intensity of game week.

Atlanta is set to host the Carolina Panthers inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Sunday, marking the start of a season filled with optimism after adding several new faces this spring.

But where - and how - do those additions, such as running back Bijan Robinson, safety Jessie Bates III, defensive lineman David Onyemata and more, stack up on the depth chart?

The Falcons released an official depth chart on Tuesday evening, their first since the preseason ended and an early look at what to expect come Sunday.

Here's how Atlanta will line up in Week 1, along with four takeaways ...

OFFENSE:

Quarterback: Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, Logan Woodside

Running Back: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier

"J": Cordarrelle Patterson

No. 1 Receiver: Drake London, Scotty Miller, Josh Ali

No. 2 Receiver: Mack Hollins, KhaDarel Hodge

No. 1 Tight End: Kyle Pitts, MyCole Pruitt, John FitzPatrick

No. 2 Tight End: Jonnu Smith, Keith Smith

Left Tackle: Jake Matthews, Isaiah Prince

Left Guard: Matthew Bergeron, Jovaughn Gwyn

Center: Drew Dalman, Ryan Neuzil

Right Guard: Chris Lindstrom, Kyle Hinton

Right Tackle: Kaleb McGary

DEFENSE:

Defensive Line No. 1: Grady Jarrett, Albert Huggins

Defensive Line No. 2: David Onyemata, Ta'Quon Graham

Defensive Line No. 3: Calais Campbell, Zach Harrison, Joe Gaziano

No. 1 Outside Linebacker: Bud Dupree, Lorenzo Carter

No. 2 Outside Linebacker: Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone

No. 1 Inside Linebacker: Kaden Elliss, Nate Landman 

No. 2 Inside Linebacker: Troy Andersen, Tae Davis

No. 1 Cornerback: A.J. Terrell, Mike Hughes

No. 2 Cornerback: Jeff Okudah, Tre Flowers

Nickel Cornerback: Dee Alford, Clark Phillips III

Free Safety: Jessie Bates, Jaylinn Hawkins

Strong Safety: Richie Grant, DeMarcco Hellams

SPECIALISTS:

Kicker: Younghoe Koo

Punter: Bradley Pinion

Long Snapper: Liam McCullough

Holder: Bradley Pinion

Punt Returner: Dee Alford, Mike Hughes

Kick Returner: Cordarrelle Patterson, Mike Hughes

TAKEAWAYS

The Falcons appear to have created a new position for Patterson, simply labeling him "J" - could it stand for 'Jack of all Trades'? Perhaps, but regardless of the official designation, that type of versatile role is the one he's projected to play.

Keith Smith was listed as a tight end, but he'll continue serving as Atlanta's fullback. The same situation arose in 2021, of which Falcons coach Arthur Smith said at the time that he arranged the depth chart in 12 personnel and simply had no room to place the fullback position.

There are officially two rookies slated to start in Robinson and Bergeron. Atlanta's entire six-man class made the roster out of camp, with Harrison, Phillips III, Hellams and Gwyn all being placed as backups.

It'll be interesting to see how the Falcons handle the corner position opposite Terrell, as Okudah isn't expected to play in Week 1. Flowers was appointed the backup and took first-team snaps there in camp, but Hughes is technically the No. 3 outside cornerback, above Flowers. The lean here is that Flowers gets the nod, but both could see time Sunday.

The answer will be in soon enough, as the Falcons and their newly released depth chart will kick off the season against the Panthers at 1 p.m. Sunday.