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Thursday, August 14, 2008
Harrington to start now; Ryan later
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons coach Mike Smith announced today that Joey Harrington will start the preseason home opener against Indianapolis Saturday.
The move sets the stage for first-round pick Matt Ryan to start against Tennessee in the third preseason game Aug. 22 at the Georgia Dome. The third preseason game is typically when teams get into regular season mode and starters play at least a half.
The Falcons are holding an open competition for the starting quarterback job and Smith said each quarterback would get a chance to start. Chris Redman started in last Saturday’s preseason-opening, 20-17 loss at Jacksonville. D.J. Shockley likely will start the preseason finale Aug. 28 at Baltimore.
One note about Shockley, he has a year of practice squad eligibility left. If the Falcons decide to do so, they can keep all four quarterbacks but keep Shockley on the practice squad. Redman and Harrington have too much experience to be placed on the practice squad per NFL/NFLPA rules.
Ryan has $72 million reasons to remain on the active roster.
