It was a big week in Falcons training camp, with several interesting storylines making their way out of Flowery Branch. Here are a few tidbits from this week's camp worth mentioning:
- After a week of open competition for the starting right guard spot, Garrett Reynolds seems to be favored over Mike Johnson at this point. Reynolds has been working mostly with the first-team offense, and was ahead of Johnson on the most recently released team depth chart. It's also worth mentioning that Johnson reportedly suffered a concussion in practice today. Safe to say, that will only help Reynold's chances of winning the job.
- A few weeks ago Mike Smith predicted a big year for 2009 first-rounder Peria Jerry, and so far he has lived up to the hype. After wearing a knee brace all of last season, Jerry has not been seen wearing it once during this year's camp. He seems to have regained his confidence and quickness. If all goes well, expect to see him starting over Corey Peters against the Bears. I really think Jerry's due for a big year.
- Although the Falcons "Friday Night Lights" scrimmage was cut short due to weather, Kerry Meier made a good first impression to the fans in attendance, running sharp routes and showing off his soft hands. Meier, who is coming off a season-ending ACL tear suffered during last year's training camp, seems well on his way to full recovery. He'll likely be an important cog in the offense as the team's fourth or fifth receiver.
- Curtis Lofton is also having a successful recovery. Surprise, surprise, the Falcons' middle linebacker had secret offseason surgery on both knees. After what he considered a down year in 2010, Lofton claim's that he's "feeling like a whole new man now." Obviously, this is fantastic news.
- Amongst camp surprises, TE Michael Palmer and OG Andrew Jackson have been two of the bigger ones. Palmer has improved on his pass-catching skills, and has had a great camp so far. Jackson, a sixth-round pick this year, has shown the versatility to play both guard and tackle, and has really displayed some big potential so far.
- Matt Bosher, the Falcons' other sixth-round pick, has also impressed his coaches. Bosher can really boot it, and is expected to take over kickoff duties as well. With the team cutting punter Jacob Harfman, only Ken Parrish stands in between Bosher and the starting job.
- Finally, and I couldn't end this update any other way, Jason Snelling is back with the Falcons. After surprisingly little interest from teams on the free agent market, Snelling is now back in Falcons camp on a one-year deal. Welcome back, J-Snell!
The Falcons' first preseason game will against the Dolphins on Friday, August 12 at 7:30. Expect the roster picture to become a little clearer afterwards.
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