Falcons Sign Ben DiNucci, Release DJ Chark: Roster Impact

By Jason Bolton August 19, 2025 07:13

The Atlanta Falcons made a notable roster move ahead of their final preseason game, signing veteran quarterback Ben DiNucci while releasing wide receiver DJ Chark. This shuffle reflects the Falcons’ ongoing efforts to manage their quarterback depth amid injury concerns while trimming their roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

Ben DiNucci, 28, announced his signing via social media just before Monday’s practice session. A seventh-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2020 draft, DiNucci has had a journeyman career consisting mostly of practice squad stints and preseason appearances. His regular-season experience includes three games in his rookie year, with one start, where he totaled 219 passing yards and a completion percentage of 53.5%. Since then, DiNucci spent time with the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and New Orleans Saints but has not appeared in regular-season games post-2020.

The Falcons’ decision to sign DiNucci comes after fourth-string quarterback Emory Jones was placed on injured reserve with an injury designation following a concussion suffered against the Tennessee Titans in the previous preseason game. Head coach Raheem Morris confirmed that neither starter Michael Penix Jr. nor backup Kirk Cousins would play in the upcoming preseason finale, likely to preserve them for the regular season. This strategy paves the way for DiNucci to compete for reps and showcase his abilities in the preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys his former team.

DiNucci’s signing provides the Falcons with added competition for the third-string quarterback spot, joining Easton Stick as contenders. The move also ensures the Falcons have a ready, experienced arm available should injuries plague the top two quarterbacks during the season. While DiNucci may not be viewed as a long-term solution, his NFL background and familiarity with quarterback room dynamics make him a suitable depth candidate.

Conversely, DJ Chark’s release signals a shift in the Falcons’ wide receiver group. Chark, who joined the Falcons late last month, was unable to secure a lasting role amid fierce competition. Chark’s 2024 campaign showed flashes of productivity, including 29 receptions for 384 yards and three touchdowns. However, Atlanta’s receiver corps is brimming with younger talents like Drake London and Kyle Pitts, pushing Chark out of the mix. The Falcons’ decision likely comes down to roster space, especially with injuries and immediate needs at quarterback taking priority.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank and assistant general manager Kyle Smith have expressed confidence in young quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as the future, praising his late-season 2024 growth. Kirk Cousins remains a stabilizing veteran presence and mentor in the quarterback room. Head coach Morris has emphasized flexibility and readiness across the roster, indicating openness to roster updates based on performance and health as the season approaches.

For Falcons fans, the signing of DiNucci is a reminder of the often complex, behind-the-scenes roster management necessary in NFL campaigns. While Michael Penix Jr. is the anticipated starter and Cousins the backup, the team understands the physical toll of the NFL calendar and the need for experienced depth.

The upcoming preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys will provide a final audition for DiNucci to make an impression. If he can deliver solid performances, he may secure a role as emergency depth while providing peace of mind to Atlanta’s quarterback group.

In summary, the Falcons' roster moves reflect strategic shifts in their quarterback room and wide receiver corps ahead of the 2025 NFL season. DiNucci’s addition fills a critical depth void created by injury, while Chark’s release streamlines the receiving unit. These moves embody the ever-evolving nature of NFL rosters, as teams balance development, health, and immediate competitiveness.