The Atlanta Falcons have made an in-house move to bolster their pass rush, promoting defensive lineman Demone Harris from the practice squad to the active roster, the team announced Friday. This marks a significant step for Harris, who has been a steady presence on the Falcons’ practice squad throughout the season, earning a chance to contribute to the team’s defense moving forward.
Harris has already seen action on the active roster earlier this season, making appearances in Weeks 7-9. During those three games, he tallied three tackles, one tackle for loss, and one quarterback hit across 97 defensive snaps, showcasing his ability to make an impact in limited action. His performance caught the attention of head coach Raheem Morris, who praised Harris for his edge-setting ability and consistent pressure creation.
Building Momentum from the Practice Field
This promotion isn’t a surprise to the coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake noted that Harris’ rise to the active roster was the result of his strong practice habits and the work he put in on the scout team throughout the season.
“We were not surprised, because it’s been showing in practice,” Lake said. “He earned the right to go out there and get some reps. We have been seeing him for weeks now. He played excellent in training camp, the preseason games. We thought he was a player we knew would contribute at some point.”
Indeed, Harris had an impressive summer for the Falcons, culminating in a standout preseason. He finished with four tackles, two quarterback hits, one tackle for loss, one pass defended, and one forced fumble. His high level of play in the preseason earned him a spot on the Falcons’ practice squad, where he continued to develop and stay ready for an opportunity like this.
Harris’ Journey to Atlanta
The 28-year-old Harris has had a journeyman career since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of the University at Buffalo in 2018. Over the years, he has played in 15 career games across five different NFL teams. Despite his lack of a guaranteed roster spot early in his career, Harris has consistently found ways to contribute whenever called upon.
This season, before his promotion, Harris had been part of the Falcons’ scout team, helping prepare the defense for opposing offenses. In fact, for the Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers, Harris played the role of Jadeveon Clowney, impersonating the Panthers’ star outside linebacker to help the Falcons defense prepare for the matchup.
Now, with his promotion to the 53-man roster, Harris will get the chance to elevate Atlanta’s pass rush, which currently ranks last in the NFL with only 10 sacks through 11 games. With his ability to disrupt the pocket and set the edge, Harris could provide a much-needed spark to a unit that has struggled to consistently apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
A Fresh Opportunity for a New Role
While it’s still early, Harris’ promotion could signal a larger role for him as the Falcons look to find solutions to their pass rush woes. He’s already shown he can hold his own in the NFL, and with his tenacity and proven performance in training camp, the Falcons will look for him to continue his development and contribute to a defense that needs more playmakers.
With head coach Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake already high on Harris’ potential, there is optimism that he can make an impact down the stretch of the season. Whether he’s used as a rotational piece on the defensive line or gets a more prominent role, Harris’ promotion gives the Falcons added depth and flexibility as they continue to search for ways to improve their pass rush.
As the Falcons push toward the playoff hunt, all eyes will be on how Harris performs with his newfound opportunity, and whether he can help turn around a defensive line that’s in dire need of a boost. For Harris, it’s a moment to prove that the work he’s put in has finally paid off, and that he belongs on the big stage.
