Falcons training camp opened on Thursday and all the usual suspects were in attendance. Recently signed LB Mike Peterson, 36, who’s played the last three years with the Falcons even earned a new nickname, alluding to his veteran status.
Who’s here: Surefire HOFer Tony Gonzalez was in Flowery Branch on Thursday and Friday after skipping OTA’s this offseason. Gonzalez spent a lot of time in California recovering from the loss of his stepfather of 25 years. The tight end, playing his 16th NFL season, caught 80 passes last season and seven touchdowns. Reports are that he's leaning heavily towards retiring after the season but new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is undoubtedly thrilled to see Gonzalez on the field for at least one more year.
Peter Konz: The rookie RG has reportedly impressed his new teammates early on and is taking reps with the second team O-line. Konz, who signed a four-year deal in May worth $3.58 million dollars, is expected to challenge veteran Garrett Reynolds for the starting position.
Lamar Holmes: LTLamar Holmes, the Falcons’ 3rd round pick, broke his foot while running just weeks after the April draft. By Thursday, Holmes was already participating with the third team as training camp opened. The position is Sam Baker’s to lose but given Baker’s up-and-down season last year, it’s anyone’s bet who opens the season protecting Matt Ryan’s blind side.
New offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter: Koetter, the former offensive coordinator for the Jaguars, is in his first year with the Falcons. Head coach Mike Smith said that Koetter has incorporated ideas from veteran Falcons players and hasn’t been adamant about imposing his specific offense on the team. “He understands we’ve done some things well around here,” Matt Ryan told the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter. Expect Ryan to be given more reign of the offense as the Falcons develop their no-huddle style.
Who’s not: Ledbetter reported that all 90 players on the training camp roster were in attendance. DT Elisha Joseph was signed two days ago for depth issues due to Corey Peters’ foot injury. Peters is expected to be out three more weeks and is on the active, non-football injury list.
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