Two Atlanta Falcons rookies, safety Xavier Watts and edge rusher Jalon Walker, returned to the field for Monday’s training camp session after being limited or absent in previous practices. Head coach Raheem Morris described Watts’ absence as “preventive maintenance,” while Walker had missed time due to a minor hamstring injury.
“We’ll kind of ease them back in,” Morris said. “Probably the next day, after that, we’ll kind of pull them back a little bit to unleash him a little bit toward that high practice to get them ready for the off day and to get into our preseason game stuff. We’ll get those guys ready to go.”
Monday’s practice was lighter, with players wearing only helmets. Full pads are expected on Tuesday, followed by the team’s first full scrimmage on Wednesday. The Falcons will host the Detroit Lions for their first preseason game on Friday.
Walker told reporters his hamstring is no longer an issue and he feels confident about his development despite missing some practices. “I know myself, the way I pride myself on staying prepared for all situations,” Walker said. “Mental intensity. Mental preparations. Those are things I take pride in, just being in my film or being in my journal. Things like that. I feel like I’m ahead of the game on the ball just because of that. Me not having that time out there doesn’t say I’m behind.”
Both Watts and Walker participated in position drills and 11-on-11 work with the second-team defense, though it was unclear if they were at full capacity.
Walker emphasized trust in the coaching staff’s approach: “Trusting their process,” he said. “I have my emotions, of course, in just getting back out there as fast as I can. But they knew what’s best the team and they know what’s best for me.”
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., entering his first year as starter, performed well during Monday’s rainy session, completing 13 of 15 passes in 11-on-11 drills without turnovers.
Offensive tackle Jake Matthews commented on the energy at camp: “It reminds me of those playoff years and the good years we had in ’16, ’17 — that’s where we want to be,” he said regarding early intensity.
Several players were absent from practice due to injuries or other reasons: wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder), cornerback Keith Taylor (unknown), inside linebacker Malik Verdon (Non-Football Injury list), inside linebacker Troy Andersen (Physically Unable to Perform list), and offensive lineman Storm Norton (unknown).
Neither Penix nor veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will play against Detroit; instead, Easton Stick and Emory Jones will handle quarterback duties. Coach Morris indicated more players would see action this preseason due to a younger roster.
Other notes from practice included Cousins throwing one interception picked off by cornerback Cobee Bryant; increased reps for wide receiver Casey Washington with the first-team offense; rookie Jack Nelson filling in at right tackle; JD Bertrand present but not participating fully; a brief scuffle between James Pearce Jr. and Tyrone Wheatley Jr.; and kicker Younghoe Koo making all four field goal attempts while Lenny Krieg missed one.
The Falcons’ next open practice is scheduled for Tuesday at IBM Performance Field. The regular season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is set for September 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
