Atlanta FalconsGAINESVILLE, Ga. — It’s still too early for coach Mike Smith to say which young players are solid candidates to make the Atlanta Falcons’ 53-man roster.
As is his custom at the team’s annual Friday Night Lights event, Smith held the Falcons’ veteran starters out of the live tackling drills.
Quarterback Matt Ryan, running back Steven Jackson, defensive end Osi Umenyiora, cornerback Asante Samuel and receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones stood on the sideline and watched while roster hopefuls hit and tackled on Gainesville High School’s field.
“It wasn’t all of the first-team guys, but there were a handful of guys that did not participate in the scrimmage,” Smith said. “This was probably the longest time we’ve been on the field as a team this offseason.”
Rookie cornerback Desmond Trufant, a first-round draft pick, was one of the few designated starters to work with the second team.