The Atlanta Falcons held their fourth open practice of training camp on Tuesday in Flowery Branch, marking the first session with players in full pads. Head coach Raheem Morris emphasized that while the team is progressing, there is still an adjustment period for players to get used to wearing pads and managing contact.
“Obviously, we don’t go to the ground,” Morris said. “But you definitely get a certain amount of physicality up front, you get a certain amount of physicality on the back end. Obviously, you see one thud at the point of contact, at the point of attack. We don’t do side thuds. We don’t want guys to side thud a guy who falls into one of his teammates. Prevent some injury that way. But you’ll see frontal thuds.”
On the first play during 11-on-11 drills, running back Carlos Washington Jr. ran up the middle and was met with cheers from teammates along the sideline. The next play saw heightened intensity that resulted in a brief scuffle, but it quickly ended without further incident.
“We got a little physical the other day,” Morris said. “Probably a little too physical for my liking. But I love the intent. I love what we have. And it’s probably the perfect time to put on pads right now for us.”
Rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr., continuing to attract attention throughout camp, participated extensively with the second-team defense but faced off against many starters on offense during most periods.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., asked about his golf game, remarked: “Losing less than 10 balls, that’s a good day.”
Cornerback Keith Taylor and edge rusher Jalon Walker were not seen at practice; according to Morris, Walker is under a “management plan” and there is no cause for concern.
In terms of quarterback performance during 11-on-11 work, Penix completed seven out of eleven passes while Kirk Cousins completed seven out of twelve attempts.
During special teams drills focusing on punt returns for the first time this camp, Jamal Agnew and Ray-Ray McCloud III took turns returning punts from Bradley Pinion.
Wide receiver DJ Chark made his debut in 11-on-11 reps after signing last Saturday but did not record a reception as A.J. Terrell provided tight coverage.
Defensively, Arnold Ebiketie recorded a sack against Cousins by getting around Storm Norton at left tackle; Natrone Brooks broke up a pass between Penix and Drake London near the goal line; Jessie Bates III and Kaden Elliss prevented two consecutive red-zone completions intended for Feleipe Franks from Cousins.
Offensively, Penix connected with McCloud III and Bijan Robinson for touchdown passes inside the red zone.
Kickers Lenny Krieg and Younghoe Koo both converted four out of five field-goal attempts each during practice sessions—Krieg missed from 55 yards while Koo missed from 54 yards—bringing their open practice totals to nine-of-ten for Krieg and eight-of-ten for Koo so far.
When asked about wide receiver Darnell Mooney’s recovery timeline following his shoulder injury, Morris responded: “We’re going with a few weeks right now, and then we’ll play it out after we get to that point.”
The Falcons are scheduled to hold their fifth open practice Thursday at IBM Performance Field as they continue preparations leading up to their Week 1 opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (https://www.atlantafalcons.com/schedule/).
