Flowery Branch —- With Warrick Dunn rehabilitating his surgically repaired back and Jerious Norwood moving into the starter's role for now, opportunities have opened up for some competition at backup tailback.

Jamal Robertson is working at the No. 2 spot, but he's being pushed by rookie Jason Snelling, a bruising seventh-round draft pick.

"Jamal understands what we're doing, so he's probably ahead of everybody else," coach Bobby Petrino said. "I like what I see of Snelling. It's going to be a question of how he does once we get into preseason games. He has good vision and makes nice cuts. He has some power when he runs the ball, and we're hoping he will be able to run through some tackles."

Robertson (5 feet 10, 215 pounds) has played mainly on special teams in five NFL seasons (with three teams). He has 62 caries for 248 yards and two touchdowns. The Falcons signed him late last season. Snelling (5-11, 232) has been the physical banger the Falcons said they needed to fortify the short-yardage running game.

As for Norwood, he has impressed the coaches in just about every aspect of the position, but, Petrino said, "He still needs to improve on his pass protection. He's working hard at that, and he's certainly gotten better at that."

There is a chance that as the preseason progresses, the Falcons could bring in a veteran tailback, especially after the first wave of cuts Aug. 28.

Huff in the middle

The competition to be Keith Brooking's backup at middle linebacker has grown thick. Veteran free-agent acquisition Orlando Huff has been working with the second unit, behind Brooking.

Huff, signed three weeks before training camp, can play all three linebacker spots. When signed, it was to provide insurance in case weakside linebacker Demorrio Williams was slow to recover from chest surgery. Williams is back earlier than projected, and Huff (6-3, 236) was moved over a spot, ahead of third-year backup middle linebacker Jordan Beck. Undrafted rookie Tony Taylor also has shown promise.

Mallard's dual roles

High-motored, backup defensive end Josh Mallard, who was a disruptive element in pass-rushing situations last season (four sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery) is being used at tackle in some packages.

"He's a good pass rusher. He can really come off the ball," Petrino said of Mallard. "At that height and size [6-2, 259] it's difficult for the big tackles to get down and block him.

"I really like his effort. He gives you everything he has on every play."

Injury update

SS Omare Lowe (knee) returned to practice after missing Saturday's drills. OG Toniu Fonoti (foot), DT Rod Coleman (thigh) and DT Grady Jackson (conditioning) did not practice.