It will be after practice Thursday before Falcons players will be heard from regarding the upcoming season.

In breaking from past years, the team decided not to make players available when they report to training camp, seemingly to prevent any comments about federally indicted quarterback Michael Vick.

Most players have declined to speak to the media since Vick was charged with felony dogfighting charges July 17.

Players were set to begin reporting to the Flowery Branch headquarters Wednesday but they have until 8 a.m. Thursday — hours before their first practice — to be accounted for, according to the team.

Coach Bobby Petrino said Tuesday, at a news conference, that the team will meet before practice to discuss the Vick situation then come up with a plan to move forward. He said he would encourage players not to speak about Vick's legal situation and focus more on football-related issues.

In other developments, the Falcons have made progress toward signing first-round pick Jamaal Anderson and second-round selections Justin Blalock and Chris Houston, the team confirmed. President and general manager Rich McKay said Tuesday that he hoped all 11 draft picks would be signed by the start of training camp.