"Falcons Bring Back Andrew Stueber to Boost Offensive Line Stability
In the midst of a string of injuries to key offensive line players, the Atlanta Falcons have made a strategic move by bringing back offensive lineman Andrew Stueber. The move comes after the Falcons lost Matthew Bergeron and Chris Lindstrom in Week 9, leaving the offensive line depleted. Stueber, who has been with the team before, was re-signed to the 53-man roster to help fill the gaps.
Stueber’s return adds both experience and familiarity to the unit, which has struggled to keep its running game consistent and protect quarterback Desmond Ridder. “It feels great to be back with a team that believes in me,” said Stueber after his re-signing. “Last year, I learned a lot, and now it’s all about helping the guys up front. I know the system, and I’m excited to contribute however I can.”
The decision to bring Stueber back is about more than just familiarity. With the Falcons’ run game faltering—averaging just 59.3 rushing yards over the last three losses—adding someone who understands the system and can step in quickly was crucial. Head coach Raheem Morris echoed Stueber’s sentiments, saying, “Having Andrew back gives us another set of strong, capable hands. He knows the scheme inside and out, and he’ll help solidify our line, especially with the challenges we’ve faced with injuries.”
Stueber, who spent the 2024 season with the team and earned starts during the preseason, is familiar with both the Falcons' offensive scheme and the high expectations surrounding it. While it’s unlikely that he’ll immediately step into a starting role, his depth and versatility provide critical support should any further injuries occur.
“I'm just focused on doing what I need to do to help protect our quarterbacks and open lanes for the running game," Stueber added. "Every practice is an opportunity to improve, and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got to help this team win.”
The Falcons’ offensive line will now look to stabilize with Stueber’s return. The pressure is on for him to integrate quickly and provide the much-needed reinforcement to protect Ridder and create running lanes for the backs. With the Falcons still in the playoff hunt, Stueber’s presence could prove to be the key factor in their push for the postseason.
NFL drops the hammer on Micah Parsons in a way that makes the Packers feel even worse after loss to the Eagles
The Green Bay Packers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. And it was despite a great defensive effort, giving up only 10 points — which wasn’t enough in an uninspiring performance by the offense, which scored seven. To make things even worse, the NFL has just fined star edge defender Micah Parsons.
Parsons was punished for tripping on Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. During the play, the refs didn’t call a penalty, but the league decided to fine Parsons $12,172 as part of its weekly round of punishments. The play was considered unnecessary roughness, and categorized as striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing.
Since the Packers acquired him from the Dallas Cowboys, Micah Parsons has been insanely productive. Against the Eagles, he generated seven pressures, and that was his fourth game this season with at least seven — he had a season-high 10 exactly against the Cowboys in Week 4.
The other Packers players to be fined this season have been safety Xavier McKinney, punished because of a taunting penalty during the Week 1 win over the Detroit Lions; linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper, fined $6,891 because of a facemask penalty in Week 2 against the Washington Commanders; linebacker Quay Walker, punished for a hit on a quarterback in Week 7; and safety Evan Williams, fined $6,448 for unnecessary roughness by hitting the quarterback against the Carolina Panthers in Week 9.
NFL fines
While it’s tough to see football players losing money like that for normal plays, at least it goes to a good cause. The fines collected are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support legends in need.
Players are notified of violations and may appeal any ruling. Appeals officers, such as former NFL players Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, and Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA, hear cases. The decisions made are final and binding.
The potential violations include offenses against game officials, player safety rules or flagrant personal fouls, fighting, sportsmanship, uniform rules, and gang signing.
Last year, the Packers were among the least penalized teams in football in this area. In 2024, 543 plays resulted in fines, or 1.16% of all plays in the season.
