Wilson could factor into Falcons’ QB plans

Flowery Branch — Quarterback John Parker Wilson, who is an undrafted rookie free agent, has a history with offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.

“I’ve known John Parker for a couple of years,” Mularkey said. “I worked out a receiver with him when I was with Coach [Nick] Saban down in Miami.”

With both backup quarterbacks Chris Redman and D.J. Shockley entering the last year of their contracts, Wilson appears to be more than just a “camp arm” to give the other quarterbacks some rest.

“Their offense was a pro-style offense,” Mularkey said. “That helps because he was under center and not in the [shotgun] on every play. He’s actually called pro-styled offensive plays.”

Wilson had Alabama back in the national-championship hunt last season.

“I know what kind of competitor he his,” Mularkey said. “I know how smart he is for this position.”

Questions about Wilson’s arm strength, ability to throw the deep ball and footwork likely hurt his draft prospects.

Lewis leaves field

Nose tackle Trey Lewis, who is coming back from two surgeries on his right knee, pulled himself out of a drill in the evening session, leaving the field in obvious pain. After receiving attention from the medical staff, he appeared fine and was back on his feet and walking around.

Etc.

Defensive end John Abraham and kicker Jason Elam were absent Friday morning when the Falcons began their weekend mini-camp.

Abraham and Elam, joined defensive back Von Hutchins (broken foot), offensive lineman Alex Stepanovich (back) and cornerback David Irons (knee) on the list of players being held out.

“We felt they weren’t 100 percent ready to go, so we made a decision to limit those guys today,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “Abe is leftover from the rigors of the 16-game season. He had a number of ailments.”

Abraham had nerve, shoulder and neck ailments. He started all 17 games last season, but he left the game early against Carolina on Nov. 23.

Smith would not confirm if Abraham had any offseason surgeries or medical procedures.

“Not going to talk about it,” Smith said.

Abraham, who set a franchise record with 16.5 sacks and was a Pro Bowl alternate last season, has a history of hamstring issues.

Elam played in all 17 games last season, but was listed on the injury report with a hip injury over several weeks.

“You look at those guys, Jason and John, they are up there in years,” Smith said. “They’ve got a number of mini-camps underneath their belts. We are going to limit them and limit some of the older players. We want to get a look at as many of these young guys as we can.”

Lewis leaves field

Nose tackle Trey Lewis, who is coming back from two surgeries on his right knee, pulled himself out of a drill in the evening session, leaving the field in obvious pain. After receiving attention from the medical staff, he appeared fine and was back on his feet and walking around.

Wilson could be factor

Quarterback John Parker Wilson, who is an undrafted rookie free agent, has a history with offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.

“I’ve known John Parker for a couple of years,” Mularkey said. “I worked out a receiver with him when I was with Coach [Nick] Saban down in Miami.”

With both backup quarterbacks Chris Redman and D.J. Shockley entering the last year of their contracts, Wilson appears to be more than just a “camp arm” to give the other quarterbacks some rest.

“Their offense was a pro-style offense,” Mularkey said. “That helps because he was under center and not in the [shotgun] on every play. He’s actually called pro-styled offensive plays.”

Wilson had Alabama back in the national-championship hunt last season.

“I know what kind of competitor he his,” Mularkey said. “I know how smart he is for this position.”

Questions about Wilson’s arm strength, ability to throw the deep ball and footwork likely hurt his draft prospects.

Etc.

Tight end Tony Gonzalez did not practice during the second session Friday. … Surprise, surprise. Feisty guard Harvey Dahl got into a scuffle with defensive tackle Jason Jefferson in the morning practice. … Wide receivers Troy Bergeron and Scott Mayle (Ohio), offensive guards Chris Jamison (Troy) and Ronald Thompson (Abilene Christian) and linebacker Rashad Bobino (Texas) were given mini-camp tryouts. Bergeron, who played for the Georgia Force in the Arena Football League, was recently cut from the roster to make room for linebacker Edmond Miles. … Offensive tackle Sam Baker has grown a mountain-man beard which makes him look like a lumberjack, and guard Justin Blalock was sporting a mohawk cut.