Flowery Branch — Pardon Sam Baker for not knowing the technicalities. The Falcons' first-round draft pick agreed to a contract late Friday night, in time for the start of training camp Saturday morning.

However, until the contract had NFL approval, Baker could not practice.

Curtis Compton /ccompton@ajc.com (ENLARGE)

Veteran wide receiver Joe Horn, who requested a trade after mini-camp and did not take part in offseason voluntary workouts, loosens up on the field at the start of training camp.

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So there he sat in an upstairs office of the team's headquarters waiting for the official word, dressed and ready to go, while just outside practice had begun.

"I didn't know I couldn't go out there until the contract was official," said Baker, a 6-foot-5, 312 pound offensive tackle from Southern Cal taken with the 21st overall pick in April's draft.

Baker signed a five-year deal with about $8 million in guaranteed money.

Finally at 9:42 a.m. — one hour and 12 minutes after practice had begun — Baker joined his teammates, the final player to arrive.

"Once I got out there, [teammates] were busting my chops," Baker said.

"It was exciting to see Sam out there," fellow first-round pick quarterback Matt Ryan said.

Baker was aware of the importance of getting to camp on time, but that didn't stop him from worrying "every minute."

"I've got a house down here and I've been sitting there just waiting," Baker said. "I'm glad it's finally done. Now I can just worry about football."

Weiner cleared to play

Offensive tackle Todd Weiner was medically cleared for practice. He finished last season on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury that required surgery.

He participated in individual drills and will be eased into full workouts.

"It felt pretty good," Weiner said after the morning session. "I was a little rusty. It's been a while since I've been out there. I was encouraged. We are to increase the reps and time every day."

Getting Weiner, 32, will be a big boost to the offensive line. He started five games at right tackle and two games at left tackle last season.

"We're going to bring Todd along very slowly," Falcons coach Mike Smith said.

Grimes may start

Brent Grimes, a former undrafted free agent, is the leader to replace former Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall at cornerback. He's working with the first-string defense.

"He's paid his dues and he's worked extremely hard to get here," Smith said. "He's got an opportunity to be a starter in this league. We were very impressed with the plays that he made on the ball in the [organized team activities]."

Grimes, playing opposite Chris Houston, will have to hold off challenges from David Irons, Chevis Jackson and possibly Von Hutchins.

"It's going to be fun to watch the competition in the secondary," Smith said.

Hutchins hurt

Hutchins hopped off the field after suffering a foot injury.

"I really don't more that than right now," Smith said of the cornerback. "I think he just tweaked his [left] foot. I think he got stepped on."

Horn puts in OT

Veteran wide receiver Joe Horn, 36, stayed on the field about 30 minutes after the first practice ended catching extra passes from an assistant coach. Horn said during the offseason that he wants to be traded.

Homework assignments

Over the offseason Falcon players were tested on the knowledge of the team's new schemes via e-mail, Smith said.

— Chris Vivlamore contributed to this report.