CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Jake Matthews' game status was in question when it was reported earlier on Thursday morning that he was on the way back to Atlanta. The starting left tackle's wife, Meggi, had gone into labor with the couple's first child.
Matthews made it to Atlanta in time for the birth, but whether he would make it back to Charlotte in time for Thursday night's 8:15 kickoff against the Panthers was still up in the air. But, interestingly enough, so was Matthews.
To help get the lineman back to his team, Falcons owner Arthur Blank saved Matthews a spot on his plane. And though his status was questionable earlier in the day, Matthews was not listed in the Falcons Week 10 inactives.
Barring any unexpected travel delays, the new dad is expected to make it back to Charlotte in time for kickoff.
As for the inactives list, there are very few surprises for the Falcons.
A.J. Terrell (hamstring), Erik Harris (foot) and Feleipe Franks (calf) did not participate in practice this week in the lead up to the Falcons rematch with the Panthers. They were among the group of Falcons inactives on Thursday.
Here is the rest of the Falcons Week 10 inactives:
TE Feleipe Franks
S Erik Harris
CB A.J. Terrell
ILB Nate Landman
OL Jonotthan Harrison
TE Anthony Firkser
DL Matt Dickerson
The Falcons take flight to Charlotte to face the Panthers for Week 10. #RiseUp
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Mykal Walker #3 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ta'Quon Graham #95 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion #13 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Germain Ifedi #74 and quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Cornell Armstrong #22 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Ford #28 and safety Jovante Moffatt #20 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Matt Dickerson #91 and outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #9 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Anthony Firkser #86 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #35 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #37 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 travels to Charlotte on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 for the game against the Carolina Panthers. (Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta Falcons)
