Falcons football is officially back, and the first day of training camp is in the books. What a doozy it was, too.
As soon as I got to Flowery Branch, the news broke that Trevor Siemian was being released with an injury settlement, in addition to a handful of other roster moves. Michael Penix still isn’t medically cleared, and Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with some back tightness that has him sidelined for now. That left the Falcons with exactly one quarterback on the roster — rookie and former D2 darling
Jack Strand — but the Falcons also signed Cooper Rush on Wednesday morning to round out the depth chart a bit.
The other big news of the day is what appears to be a potential Bijan Robinson hold-in. Robinson wasn’t in cleats or a helmet today, and though he did some footwork and was engaged watching drills, he did not participate. Robinson is the consummate professional and I am not even remotely worried about this getting resolved.
For my full rundown from today’s practice, click below.
Other notes and quotes from Falcons training camp, Day 1:
- Tua Tagovailoa is not expected to miss much time. Kevin Stefanski emphasized this multiple times. From his lips to the football gods’ ears.
- Atlanta’s newest addition to the QB depth chart, Cooper Rush, spoke to the media after practice. Rush said he flew in from Dallas late last night and was in Flowery Branch bright and early to sign his deal. Jahan Dotson said that when he left the dorm this morning, he saw Rush working through his tryout.
- When asked about the double whammy of Tua’s injury and Siemian’s release with an injury settlement, head coach Kevin Stefanski said “This is the NFL. You cannot predict what’s coming.” He doesn’t want to put a timetable on Tua’s timetable to full practice, but said it’s short term and he should be back “sooner rather than later.”
- Not surprising, but it was hot and humid out there today, which was one of the first things new OL Wanya Morris noted when he spoke to the media after practice. Morris drank too much water too fast, resulting in him throwing up during a blocking drill. It’s worth noting that the man NEVER STOPPED BLOCKING.
- Morris also mentioned his respect for Jake Matthews. “I probably ask him a question every two seconds,” Morris said. “Like, hey Jake, how do you approach this? How do you approach that?” Jake’s a consummate pro — there aren’t many better guys to be learning from in this league.
- New WR Jahan Dotson said his versatility is a key reason the Falcons wanted to sign him. He can play all over the formation.
- Michael Penix Jr. said his doctor expects about another four weeks before he’s ready for medical clearance, but that it could be shorter. I know Penix and how he talks about injuries, and I won’t be surprised if it’s actually longer than four weeks. But I do think slow-rolling his return is the right move. Like Penix himself said on Wednesday, “Third ACL (tear); we’re not taking this one lightly.”
I will not be able to get up to Flowery Branch on Thursday because of a prior commitment, but will be back up there to cover everything on Friday.
