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 cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. (left) fights for the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ryan Miller watches during the second half of an NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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