Abraham, Elam miss opening

Five players not '100 percent ready to go,' Smith says.

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By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH —- Defensive end John Abraham and kicker Jason Elam were absent Friday when the Falcons began their weekend minicamp.

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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," coach Mike Smith said. "Abe is leftover from the rigors of the 16-game season."

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.

Abraham, who set a franchise record with 16.5 sacks 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 minicamps 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.

Wilson QB factor

Quarterback John Parker Wilson, 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 rest.

"He's actually called pro-styled offensive plays," Mularkey said.

Tryout players

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 minicamp tryouts.