The Atlanta Falcons held their final open practice of their 2015 training camp today, with their remaining practices this month being closed to the public. But here are the collected headlines emerging from today’s session:
Injury Update
As usual, things begin with updating everyone on the status of certain players. Safety William Moore (calf strain) and defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman (concussion) were injured yesterday in practice and sat out today. Cornerback Desmond Trufant (shoulder) and running back Antone Smith (hamstring) were also out for the third day in a row. Center Peter Konz (knee soreness) was also held out of session. Defensive end Malliciah Goodman was also seen a practice sporting a brace on his right knee.
No Will Mo, no Hageman. Looks like Tru and Antone are both still out. Players in shorts and hats today. No pads, no helmets.
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) August 19, 2015
C/G Peter Konz had a sore knee and didn't practice
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) August 19, 2015
On Moore, calf strain, day to day. Concussion for Hageman. Knee soreness for Konz.
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) August 19, 2015
Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em For Jets
Continuing along the lines of injuries, Falcons head coach Dan Quinn expressed which players were (and were not) on schedule to play in Friday night’s preseason game against the New York Jets. Linebacker Brooks Reed, who returned to practice this week from a groin injury is on pace to play on Friday night. Hageman will not play, while running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman (both with hamstring strains) will likely be a game-time decision.
#Falcons coach Dan Quinn said Brooks Reed is on target to play Friday vs. #Jets
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) August 19, 2015
DQ said Hageman (Concussion) likely out for Friday's game. #Falcons
— FalconsKelsey (@FalconsKelsey) August 19, 2015
On Freeman and Coleman, still sounds like a game time decision. Clearly does not want to risk reinjury.
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) August 19, 2015
Alford in Nickel
All week long, the Falcons have worked starting right cornerback Robert Alford in the slot during their nickel sub-package, suggesting that it’s likely that he’ll serve in that same capacity on Friday night in New York. Phillip Adams started in place of Trufant last week against the Tennessee Titans at left cornerback and likely will do so again versus the Jets. It would appear that rookie Jalen Collins will get his opportunity to work with the first team after a rough first outing against the Titans instead of Kevin White.
Alford lining up in nickel role again with Phillip Adams and Jalen Collins on the corners
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 19, 2015
Camp Nuggets
Tidbits on the improvements made by defensive end Stansly Maponga and safeties Kemal Ishmael and Ricardo Allen:
On Maponga, Quinn says he's done a great job and has really improved on special teams.
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) August 19, 2015
Kemal Ishmael said the new defense gives him the freedom he needs to play a physical game. He's playing w/ the 1s w/ William Moore hurt.
— Andrew Hirsh (@andrewhirsh) August 19, 2015
I rarely see Ricardo Allen not working. Getting some extra technique work in after practice.
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) August 19, 2015
Odds and Ends
- Defensive line coach Bryan Cox was feeling festive at today’s practice as more than one took note of his singing and dancing.
- Rumors that the Falcons might be exploring a new backup quarterback were quickly shut down by D. Orlando Ledbetter today.
- And then there’s this (I bet you have to look twice):
Mike Smith back at practice (kidding) pic.twitter.com/2J6rLnGNhD
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 19, 2015
