Bates is listed as a starting safety on the Falcons' official depth chart, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.
This isn't a surprise. However, the Falcons signing fellow safety Justin Simmons and trading for outside linebacker Matthew Judon late in training camp was a major surprise. The newcomers are listed as backups on the official depth chart, but that's expected to change as they get acclimated to head coach Raheem Morris' scheme. Bates starred during his first season in Atlanta last year, finishing with 133 tackles (89 solo), 11 pass defenses, six interceptions, three forced fumbles and one defensive touchdown across 17 appearances.