The Atlanta Falcons will enter their Week 10 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs without rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who has been officially ruled out with a hamstring injury.
The setback marks the second consecutive game Branch will miss after he was also sidelined for last Sunday’s contest against the Cincinnati Bengals in Spain.
Branch is the only Atlanta player listed as out for the Chiefs game.
Linebacker Devine Deablo is dealing with a forearm issue and is doubtful, while defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (illness), defensive end James Pearce Jr. (back), and linebacker Josh Woods (ankle) are all questionable.
The Falcons selected Branch in the third round of the April draft, viewing him as a dynamic playmaker who could contribute both as a receiver and in the return game.
Through eight games this season, the 22-year-old has recorded 10 receptions for 64 yards.
He has also handled return duties, totaling 83 yards on eight punt returns and 360 yards on 14 kickoff returns.
Branch arrived in Atlanta after a standout 2025 season at Georgia, where he earned All-SEC Second Team recognition.
He led the conference with 81 receptions while finishing with 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham has spoken highly of the rookie’s approach, noting that Branch’s passion for the game and consistent effort in practice stand out in conversations with him.
Branch himself has described a perfectionist mindset, emphasizing that he wants coaching feedback so he can correct mistakes and avoid repeating them.
The absence comes at a difficult time for a Falcons team that sits at 3-6 after dropping its last two games. Kansas City enters the matchup at 6-2 following a 35-12 victory over the New York Jets.
Without Branch’s speed and return ability, Atlanta will need other players to step up in both the receiving corps and special teams if the team hopes to keep pace with a Chiefs squad that has been one of the stronger teams in the AFC.
The hamstring issue has already limited Branch’s opportunities as a rookie, and his continued absence removes another weapon from an offense still searching for consistency.
