Flowery Branch — Former Pro Bowl quarterback Kordell Stewart, who performed in the same offense, said Monday that rookie Matt Ryan is coming along fine in the Falcons' attack.

Stewart, who played in the NFL from 1995 to 2005, was a guest of Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey. Stewart spent most of his career under Mularkey with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com (ENLARGE)

Quarterbacks Matt Ryan (2) and D.J. Shockley drop back and look for open receivers during practice.

Photos: Falcons practice Blog: Back to work RELATED STORIES Does Vick deserve a second chance in NFL?  Falcons' Ryan nominated for ESPY  Ex-Falcons Tuggle prepares son for football limelight         • More Falcons

Stewart pointed out that Mularkey's attack was rookie-friendly and that Ryan seemed to be in control.

"From what I see, it looks like he knows what he's doing," Stewart said. "He looks poised. He looks like he understands what he needs to do, and he's not putting himself in trouble. That's what Mike wants, a mistake-free type offense."

Stewart also checked out the other quarterbacks, Chris Redman, Joey Harrington and D.J. Shockley.

"Obviously, D.J. is going to give you a little different kind of game where he's going to be able to move around a little bit more," Stewart said. "That's what he'll lean on as far as getting out of the pocket. But Mike loves that, too."

Stewart said that Mularkey will attempt to emphasize the players' strengths.

"His offense is all about the players," Stewart said. "It's player-friendly. When you have a coach that schemes it that well, the sky is the limit."

Stewart expects the Falcons to use running back Michael Turner much like the Steelers used Jerome Bettis to establish a punishing rushing attack.

"We're coming directly at you,' Stewart said. "But at the same time, we will create some stuff to make you think a little bit. It's not checkers; it's like chess."

Stewart made the Pro Bowl in 2001 and guided the Steelers to two AFC title games.

"The last time I remember having some extreme success was with Mike," Stewart said. "That was the last time that I really had some top-notch success."

Fontenot making strides at corner

Wilrey Fontenot, a seventh round pick from Arizona, is starting to grasp some pro defensive concepts. He's lining up with the No. 3 team alongside free agent cornerback Glenn Sharpe.

"From the OTAs, he has really made a big jump in training camp as far as doing things right most of the time," Falcons defensive backs coach Alvin Reynolds said. "He's doing a great job for us right now. I'm pleased with his progression."

Dunn sticks with fashion show here

Former Falcons running back Warrick Dunn, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will hold his annual fund-raising fashion show Oct. 13 at the Westin Hotel in Buckhead.

"I just felt like I love Atlanta so much and that I've gotten so much support there, I just wanted to do that," Dunn said. "I feel like people will still support the event even though I'm not playing [in Atlanta] anymore."

Dunn said he plans to have players from the Falcons and Buccaneers model clothes to raise funds for charity and his foundation.

Dunn also has completed his autobiography, "Running For My Life." He said it is scheduled to be released Nov. 11 but pre-orders are available now on Amazon.com.

Injury update

Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (back) returned to practice. Tight end Martrez Milner (toe, ankle), defensive tackle Rashad Moore (back), defensive tackle Kindal Moorehead (knee), wide receiver Laurent Robinson (lower back), wide receiver Joe Horn (hamstring), center Todd McClure (lower back) and linebacker Robert James (possible concussion) did not practice Monday morning.

"[Milner's] got multiple things happening on one leg," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "It's a toe and an ankle. Those are things we're going to have to watch and see."