The Falcons’ Kenjon Barner has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, the NFL announced Wednesday.

The running back was honored for his performance in the Falcons’ 29-3 victory at the Panthers on Sunday. Barner had a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter of the victory. The return was one yard shy of the franchise record for a punt return for a touchdown, 79 yards by Deion Sanders in 1990.

Barner is the second Falcon to win an NFC player of the week award this season. Place-kicker Younghoe Koo won the special-teams award last week.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins attempts a pass during overtime against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. In three appearances this season, Cousins has completed 32 of 52 attempts for 250 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Travelers wait in Concourse F, the international terminal, at Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com