Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer spikes the ball after a touchdown by Devonta Freeman during a playoff game against the Eagles last season in Philadelphia. Schweitzer started 16 games last season and is competing for the starting spot at right guard.
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Brandon Fusco speaks to reporters as he arrives for training camp last month in Flowery Branch, Ga. Fusco is among the contenders to start at right guard for the Falcons this season.FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - The Atlanta Falcons will be searching for the final piece of the offensive line charged with protecting veteran quarterback Matt Ryan when they kick off their preseason schedule Friday night.
Right guard is the only position on the line without a set starter, and coach Dan Quinn will be watching that key competition closely in the road game against the New York Jets. Decisions also have to be made at fullback and defensive end.
Protecting Ryan - the 2016 NFL MVP who in the offseason signed a five-year contract extension that could be worth as much as $150 million - makes finding the best starting right guard a priority. Wes Schweitzer was listed ahead of Brandon Fusco, perhaps Atlanta's top free-agent acquisition this offseason, at right guard on the team's first depth chart released this week. The two have rotated with the first-team offense during training camp.
Schweitzer's expected start against the Jets may be based on his 16 starts with Atlanta last season. Fusco started all 16 games for San Francisco last season.
"I just want to build continuity with everyone, get comfortable with everyone and with this offense," Fusco said. "I miss the game-day feeling and will be excited when I'm out there. Hopefully it's enough to prove to them I can be the starter of this team at right guard and help this team win."
Schweitzer said this has been "the best camp I've ever had, definitely the best offensive camp I've ever been a part of. I feel we're really clicking right now and really pushing for it. It's just been a really good camp."
Ricky Ortiz is expected to start ahead of Luke McNitt at fullback. The remaining competitions on offense are for backup roles, including a third running back behind Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Candidates include Terrence Magee and rookie Ito Smith.
Quinn is also looking at tight ends competing behind projected starter Austin Hooper. Eric Saubert, a fifth-round pick in 2017 who had no catches as a rookie, has impressed the coach in camp.
"He's somebody who certainly has our attention at tight end," Quinn said. "He's really turning into the pass-catching tight end that I'd hoped we would see. He's long, he's fast, and I now see the athlete."
Quinn said the 6-foot-5, 253-pound Saubert is more confident in his second season. He said Saubert pressed as a rookie and "wasn't allowing himself to be the athlete that he is."
The Falcons did not re-sign tight end Levine Toilolo, who is now with the Detroit Lions. Veteran tight end Logan Paulsen is best known for his blocking skills, which leaves an opening for Saubert to emerge as another target for Ryan.
Saubert must do more than show his skills as a receiver, though. All players competing for backup spots, including at running back and tight end, must prove they can contribute on special teams.
Second-year defensive end Takkarist McKinley, trying to earn a starting role, is expected to play after being limited for about a week with a bruised right shoulder. McKinley returned for full participation in practices Tuesday and Wednesday.
"He was good," Quinn said. "What I was looking for, like with any guy, was there any hesitancy? He had none. So he responded the right way and was chomping at the bit to get back."
Quinn confirmed kicker Matt Bryant (undisclosed injury) and offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo (right hand injury) will not play against the Jets.
"We'll get them back into the fold next week," Quinn said.