Flowery Branch — Falcons coach Mike Smith said Wednesday there is no timetable to name a starting quarterback.

"The time frame can move and change based on how the players perform," Smith said after training camp practice. "It may take a couple of preseason games prior to us making that decision. It could go even longer based on the competition. If some clarity comes to us as a coaching staff, we have to pull the trigger and make a decision."

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Falcons linebacker Michael Boley (left) and rookie tight end Keith Zinger find each other a handful in a blocking drill.

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Smith declared the starting quarterback job open before training camp. Chris Redman, Joey Harrington, D.J. Shockley and first-round draft pick Matt Ryan are in competition.

The coaching staff has rotated each quarterback with various offensive line, running back and wide receiver units in drills. This allows the players to get accustomed to one another and the coaches to do evaluations.

"The coaches have their job to make the decision on who should be out there and who gives the team the best chance to win," Ryan said. "It's my job to do everything to make sure I'm that guy."

Anderson returns

Starting defensive end Jamaal Anderson, who suffered a hamstring injury during the first session of camp Saturday, returned to practice. Backup defensive end Willie Evans (ankle) also returned after missing three practices.

"It was good to see Jamaal; he made it through the entire practice," Smith said. "He'd done some individual stuff. We'd been working with him on the side.

"Willie has made a quick recovery from the ankle sprain. We've been light on the defensive line the past couple of days, so it was nice to see those two guys out there."

Jackson limited

Recently signed defensive tackle Grady Jackson took part in some individual drills but was held out of team drills. Smith said the coaching staff would gradually ease the 350-pounder into full-scale workouts.