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.

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (left) is unable to cacth the ball but the referee called pass interference on Miami Dolphins cornerback Rasul Douglas (right) during the second half of an NFL football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, October 26, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

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Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
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