Zachariah Branch - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Stefanski, Rees and Falcons ask too much of Penix and passing game in loss mired by 4 interceptions

Coach Kevin Stefanski, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and the Atlanta Falcons asked too much of Michael Penix Jr. against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2 HOURS AGO • Associated Press

Sidelined by hamstring injury Coach Kevin Stefanski noted Monday that Branch (hamstring) won't play Sunday against the Bengals, William McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Impact The same applies to LB Samson Ebukam, with Josh Kendall of The Athletic relaying via Stefanski that either or both of the injured players could face multi-game absences. Through eight games thus far, Branch has caught 10 of his 12 targets for 64 yards. In the 2026 third-rounder's looming absence, Drake London, Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus will continue to lead Atlanta's WR corps, with Chris Blair in reserve.

3 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Hurts hamstring Sunday Branch (hamstring) was forced out Sunday's game against the Buccaneers with a hamstring injury, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Impact Prior to that, Branch wasn't targeted in the contest. In his absence versus Tampa Bay, Drake London, Jahan Dotson, Olamide Zaccheaus and Chris Blair are available to handle Atlanta's WR duties.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Huge kickoff return in Week 7 win Branch brought in one of two targets for nine yards, logged an eight-yard carry and returned his lone kickoff for 61 yards during the Falcons' 29-20 win over the 49ers on Sunday.

Impact Branch saw minimal usage offensively, but he made an impact early with a 61-yard kickoff return early in the first quarter, with the Falcons' offense converting that opportunity into a 39-yard field goal five plays later. It was a solid bounce back from his Week 6 performance against the Chicago, when he lost two fumbles. The rookie third-rounder has a 10-64-0 receiving line on 12 targets through seven regular-season games, and Branch's role will continue to be a complementary one while he's situated behind Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson in the pecking order. The Falcons will hit the road for Week 8 against the Buccaneers on Nov. 1.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Falcons' Penix delivers quick and accurate passes and 3 TDs with good protection in win over 49ers

The Atlanta Falcons gave Michael Penix Jr. good protection against San Francisco

OCTOBER 26 • Associated Press

Michael Penix Jr. throws 3 TD passes, Falcons force 4 turnovers to give 49ers first loss, 29-20

Michael Penix Jr. threw three touchdown passes, Atlanta scored 13 points off four turnovers and the Falcons handed the San Francisco 49ers their first loss, 29-20

OCTOBER 25 • Associated Press

Falcons All-Pro Bijan Robinson's leadership includes praying for frustrated teammates on sideline

Falcons All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson saw Zachariah Branch slam his helmet in frustration after his second fumble Sunday, pulled the rookie aside, offered encouraging words a...

OCTOBER 23 • Associated Press

Morris returns to Atlanta, leading a 49ers defense that will try to pressure Falcons QB Penix

Former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris will return to Atlanta as undefeated San Francisco's defensive coordinator when the 49ers face the Falcons

OCTOBER 22 • Associated Press

Two receptions in loss Branch caught both of his targets for nine yards while adding 85 yards as a kick returner during Sunday's 31-23 loss to Chicago.

Impact Branch has now caught exactly two passes in three straight games, but he has only compiled 34 total yards on those receptions. The wide receiver is merely a depth option behind the likes of Drake London, Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus on offense, and he's much more valuable as a return specialist for Atlanta. On the season, Branch has reeled in nine of 10 targets for 55 yards over six contests so far.

OCTOBER 20 • ROTOWIRE

Caleb Williams provides another reminder of his importance to the Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams has been the most important player for the Chicago Bears since he was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft

OCTOBER 19 • Associated Press

Zachariah Branch may have just played his way out of Falcons' returner role | Sporting News Two costly fumbles by Zachariah Branch helped sink the Atlanta Falcons against the Chicago Bears. With ball security becoming a major concer...

OCTOBER 18 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Caleb Williams completes first 12 passes in return after missing 3 games as Bears top Falcons 31-23

Caleb Williams completed his first 12 passes in his return from a hamstring injury, D’Andre Swift ran for two touchdowns and the Chicago Bears beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-23

OCTOBER 18 • Associated Press

Two catches in dominant win Branch caught both of his targets for 10 yards while also adding 65 kickoff-return yards and 25 yards as a punt returner during Monday night's 45-24 win over the Saints.

Impact Branch garnered exactly two targets for the third game in a row as he played 13 snaps on offense. The wide receiver is primarily a special-teams asset, making him an unappealing fantasy option. As long as Drake London, Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus are available, Branch has little to no offensive upside.

OCTOBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Zachariah Branch is all-in on Falcons offense with Michael Penix Jr. at QB The Atlanta Falcons appeared to stumble upon a solid quarterback plan for the 2026 season when Michael Penix Jr. led the team to a Week 3 wi...

SEPTEMBER 30 • BLOGGINGDIRTY.COM

Zachariah Branch is finding new ways to make Ian Cunningham look genius Atlanta Falcons rookie Zachariah Branch has successfully found a new way to push for playing time.

SEPTEMBER 27 • BLOGGINGDIRTY.COM

Continues to contribute as returner Branch caught one pass on two targets for seven yards while logging an 18-yard punt return and a 22-yard kickoff return during the Falcons' 35-14 win over the Packers on Thursday.

Impact The rookie third-rounder has contributed on both special teams as a returner and on offense as a rotational pass catcher. He's up to three catches (on four targets) for 21 yards and 110 return yards through three regular-season games. His involvement on offense hasn't been as high as other rookie wide receivers, but the Falcons appear committed to using Branch in multiple ways to utilize his speed and explosiveness.

SEPTEMBER 26 • ROTOWIRE

Catches both targets in loss Branch caught both of his targets for 14 yards and returned one punt for seven yards in Sunday's 34-3 loss against the Panthers.

Impact Branch saw 14 offensive snaps and 11 special-teams snaps in Sunday's contest. The wide receiver had a better Week 2 performance after not showing up in the box score for the Falcons' Week 1 loss to the Steelers. Branch remains the No. 1 punt returner for the team as well as a depth option at wide receiver.

SEPTEMBER 22 • ROTOWIRE

Falcons Rookie Zachariah Branch's Big Play Never Happened, But Showed What's Ahead Atlanta Falcons rookie Zachariah Branch's biggest play against the Pittsburgh Steelers was nullified by penalty, but it gave a tantalizing l...

SEPTEMBER 18 • SI.COM

Zachariah Branch's unusual debut still gave Falcons something to be excited about Zachariah Branch didn’t catch a pass in his Atlanta falcons debut, but the rookie still offered a glimpse of what he could become.

SEPTEMBER 16 • BLOGGINGDIRTY.COM

Sees snaps at returner Branch returned three punts for 33 yards and one kick for 30 yards in the Packers' 39-22 loss to the Vikings on Sunday.

Impact Branch saw 18 offensive snaps in the contest but did not show up in the box score. The wide receiver's six special teams snaps resulted in four return attempts, hinting at a potentially expanded role with the unit in the coming weeks.

SEPTEMBER 15 • ROTOWIRE

Atlanta Falcons players speak to the media following Week 1 at Steelers | Press Conference Atlanta Falcons players Bijan Robinson, A.J. Terrell Jr., Divine Deablo, Jake Matthews, Matthew Bergeron and Zachariah Branch address the me...

SEPTEMBER 14 • ATLANTAFALCONS.COM

3 ways Falcons could utilize Zachariah Branch during 2026 rookie season | Sporting News The Falcons rookie WR could see some unique usage this upcoming season.

SEPTEMBER 11 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

In clear for Sunday Branch (hamstring) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's contest at Pittsburgh, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Impact Branch opened Week 1 prep with back-to-back limited sessions due to a hamstring injury, but a full session Friday has him in the clear to make his pro debut this weekend. It's unclear what kind of role can be expected of the rookie third-round pick on offense as he jostles for snaps behind position mates Drake London, Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus, but Branch at least should get on the field as a punt returner.

SEPTEMBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Zachariah Branch's place on Falcons' depth chart doesn't tell the full story The Atlanta Falcons not naming Zachariah Branch a Week 1 starter doesn't reveal very much.

SEPTEMBER 11 • BLOGGINGDIRTY.COM

Stays limited Thursday Branch (hamstring) remained limited at practice Thursday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Impact Branch has been a limited participant in consecutive practices to kick off Week 1 prep, but the rookie third-round pick still has a chance to avoid an injury designation if he can upgrade to full practice participation Friday as he looks to make his NFL debut Sunday against the Steelers. Branch is expected to fill a reserve role at wide receiver to begin his career, but he's penciled in as Atlanta's primary punt returner.

SEPTEMBER 10 • ROTOWIRE

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