2019 ScheduleAll times ET

2019 Schedule

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons coach Dan Quinn didn't put a timetable on a full return, but rookie first-round draft pick Kaleb McGary is working his way back from a heart procedure starting with participation in walkthrough. McGary underwent a third cardiac ablation procedure July 31. Now, McGary's going through the return-to-play guidelines, which means easing into individual work. He has not be cleared for full contact and won't play in Thursday's preseason game vs. Washington. McGary, when healthy, is expected to compete with veteran Ty Sambrailo for the starting role at right tackle. Quinn revealed that Sambrailo is banged up as well coming off a shoulder injury following last week's exhibition vs. the Jets. Matt Gono listed as the third string right tackle, while veteran John Wetzel listed as the backup left tackle to starter Jake Matthews.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons coach Dan Quinn said he doesn't believe nickel backs Damontae Kazee (ribs) and Kendall Sheffield (hamstring), along with wild receiver Russell Gage (hip). are believed to not have suffered long-term injuries. Hard for the Falcons to see top two nickelbacks go down, but Chris Cooper was the third guy up in that spot. Cooper practices at nickel and free safety.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons coach Dan Quinn talked about possibility of keeping seven WRs on the 53-man roster. Last year's final depth chart had six WRs: Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, Calvin Ridley, Justin Hardy, Marvin Hall, and Russell Gage. Hall and Hardy were the return guys. Hall now in Chicago. Christian Blake pushing for a roster spot, while rookie Marcus Green trying to catch on as a return man despite battling hamstring injury. Whether Green makes it beyond practice squad will depend on how he shows rest of preseason, with RB Kenjon Barner making a case to handle returns after strong outing in Miami. Blake's speed can't be denied as an underdog to make roster. Teammates constantly talk about Blake. Olamide Zaccheus also impressive in camp.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons GM on DE Austin Larkin, who had a sack, five tackles, a tackle for loss, two QB hits, and a special teams tackle vs. Miami Thursday night: “Nice quick step. Gets around the corner well with athleticism. ... He's not the fastest guy, but he plays fast.'' Larkin has been in some practice packages with Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett. Larkin's uncle is baseball Hall of Famer and former ESPN analyst Barry Larkin.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff addressed the Julio Jones contract talks during Thursday's Falcons-Dolphins game broadcast: ``He's in a great spot; we're in a great spot,'' Dimitroff said. ``We continue to have our talks and negotiations. I don't have an exact time on it. I'm not concerned about it; he's not concerned about it.'' An offer has been made to Jones, although the details are unclear. The Falcons understand they have to make Jones the highest-paid receiver in the league, with Michael Thomas of the Saints just under $20 million per year. “That's not a mystery. He will be, we know that,'' Dimitroff said of Jones being the highest-paid WR. ``It's just a matter of where it's all going to land. ... I think it's around the corner, of course. And he'll be happy with what he gets.''

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Not in Miami for the game tonight but Dan Quinn said the starters would play some. Last year, Matt Ryan and the offense played 5 snaps in first preseason action. Quinn said 8-10 guys would be held out, Julio being one of them. The other guys currently rehabbing and limited or held out of practice include LB Deion Jones, WR Calvin Ridley, LG James Carpenter, LB Foye Oluokun, LB Duke Riley, RT Kaleb McGary, and DT Ra'Shede Hageman. Could be the first game action since last year's season-ending injuries for RB Devonta Freeman, FS Ricardo Allen, and SS Keanu Neal, if Quinn decides to play them.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons WR Julio Jones talks about rookie CB Jordan Miller pulling him aside and saying he wanted to challenge him. Miller has a great training camp.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Matt Ryan talks about the continued growth of second year WR Calvin Ridley.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

When asked Sunday if rookie first-round tackle Kaleb McGary could be back for the season opener vs. the Vikings after a heart procedure, Falcons coach Dan Quinn said: “I think so. The reason we say that is we're not going to kind of know until he goes through some of the steps with the medical staff. The next marker for him will be in a week or two, and then another one after that. The good news is by no means is this a redshirt year. As far as when the opener is (Sept.8), it's too early to tell.'' McGary has been running with the second team at right tackle behind Ty Sambrailo, who has struggled in practice. Quinn said Sambrailo physically is stronger this season.

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons a little banged up right now with new injuries. Left guard James Carpenter left Sunday's practice with a hip flexor strain. Coach Dan Quinn said there's no update whether it will be anything long term. Carpenter battling Jamon Brown for starting left guard spot. CB Desmond Trufant (back) and LB Foye Oluokun (oblique) didn't practice fully, while rookie returner Marcus Green (hamstring) and DL Rashede Hageman (groin) were held out as well. WR Julio Jones (foot), LB Deion Jones (foot), and WR Calvin Ridley (hamstring) worked on a side field rehabbing, while LB Duke Riley (groin/hip flexor) continued to sit out. Quinn said third quarterback Kurt Benkert will be out a while after suffering a toe injury in the first preseason game. Benkert's injury the reason Falcons brought back Matt Simms behind Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub.

Gonzalez gives emotional thank-you to his mom (1:07)

Vaughn McClure ESPN Staff Writer 

Falcons should be happy about the play of rookie defensive lineman John Cominsky after Hall of Fame game loss to Broncos. Made plays on defense and special teams. High-motor guy with a lot of promise, as advertised ... No surprise first-round pick Chris Lindstrom flashed in his cameo at right guard, showing the ability to finish strong at second level. ...Rookie CB Jordan Miller continues to be around the ball like during camp. Now he needs to finish those plays off with picks. ... Reserve QB Kurt Benkert showed some resilience and had nice success off play action. ... Injuries to DL Rashede Hageman (groin) and Benkert (toe) worth watch despite them being bottom of roster guys. .... Some concerns: Tavecchio miss FG; too much pressure on QBs; ball security with potential return man Marcus Green; missed open field tackles.

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