The Atlanta Falcons are going to see a return soon for this young versatile defensive back.
The Atlanta Falcons are headed into the regular season here now in just a week and a half, and after final roster cutdowns, many were left wondering what the plan is at certain positions.
One area of extreme note was defensive back, and it's a group which has been a little bit banged up throughout the summer. Someone who was working his way back onto the field was Billy Bowman Jr., who was having a very strong rookie season before tearing an Achilles in November.
Atlanta did not put the young DB on the PUP list or short-term IR to begin the season, something which is extremely notable and could indicate he is a lot closer to returning to the field than anyone expected at the start of camp.
General manager Ian Cunningham spoke on a number of topics including Bowman this week, and he did not hide the fact that the team clearly feels the former Oklahoma standout is nearing a return to the field.
Cunningham Strongly Hints Bowman Could Be Back Soon
"We do feel comfortable enough not to keep him on PUP, so that should tell you something," Cunningham said, adding that he is extremely proud of the steps Bowman has taken in order to get back on the field and help his team in the near future.
While it likely is not going to be right away especially with an injury as severe as an Achilles, Bowman has clearly exceeded expectations from team doctors and the front office in terms of an anticipated return.
A fourth round selection, Bowman was having a sensational rookie season before the unfortunate injury occurred during a team walkthrough late in the year. Initially, the fear was that an Achilles as late as Bowman's occurred in the year could cost him a significant chunk of 2026 as well, but clearly he was determined for that not to be the case.
Attacking his rehab relentlessly, Bowman is clearly determined to get back on the field sometime in the first month of the year. He is on the roster and cleared to practice without restrictions, and though the Falcons seem determined to approach this cautiously, he is going to keep pushing to get back.
It sounds like it won't be a whole lot longer and that Bowman will be making plays in this secondary before fans even imagined was possible at the time of the injury.
