Deven Thompkins: Everything you need to know

The Falcons released Thompkins on Monday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports. Thompkins signed with the Falcons in early December last season and played the remaining six regular-season games with the team. The wide receiver was mainly a special teams player, producing 265 yards as a kick returner and 54 yards as a punt returner. He also caught three receptions for 27 yards over his 23 offensive snaps. The veteran player is now a free agent and may sign with any team for the 2026 season.

The Falcons signed Thompkins to the active roster Saturday, Terrin Waack of the team's official site reports. To make room for the signing, safety DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve. Thompkins was elevated twice this season, once for Week 6 against the Bills and last Sunday against the Jets. The wide receiver played just nine offensive snaps between the two outings, catching both of his targets for 23 total yards. Like Hellams, the 25-year-old Thompkins is primarily a special teams player and will likely fill that role for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Thompkins reverted to the Falcons' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log. Thompkins was elevated to the Falcons' active roster for a second straight game due to the absence of Drake London (knee). Thompkins played just nine of 69 offensive snaps during the Falcons' 27-24 loss to the Jets on Sunday, but he made the most of his limited playing time as he caught both of his targets for 23 yards while adding a five-yard rush. He also played five snaps on special teams and turned three kickoff returns into 63 yards. Thompkins is eligible to be elevated from Atlanta's practice squad once more this season, and that could come as soon as Week 14 against the Seahawks this Sunday if London is not cleared to return.