FLOWERY BRANCH — The quarterback rotation for Saturday's preseason opener at Jacksonville won't be set until Thursday, head coach Mike Smith said. Chris Redman, Matt Ryan, Joey Harrington and D.J. Shockley are in an open competition for the starting job and two backup spots.

"It has not been finalized," Smith said. " We're going to let these guys go another day, day and half and then we'll finalize what we want to do in terms of the rotation. As the preseason goes on, we're going to make sure that we rotate the guys in there and make sure that they have the opportunity to work with the first team. We'll set in here probably on Thursday and let the guys know how it's going to go."

Milner down, McClure on mend

Tight end Martrez Milner, the one "receiving" tight end on the roster, is not expected to play against the Jaguars after suffering ankle and toe injuries over the weekend. Former Georgia Tech tight end George Cooper, who was cut by the Falcons in the offseason after spending the 2007 on the practice squad, was signed late Monday to add depth to the position.

Milner "is probably going to be back later than sooner," Smith said. No timetable was given for Milner's projected return. The second-year player is the No. 2 tight end behind Ben Hartsock but he starts in most sets in a motion/H-back role.

Center Todd McClure, who suffered a back injury on the second day of training camp, said he expects to resume practice any day. McClure is unsure if he will play Saturday. Alex Stepanovich has taken McClure's place.

Other players who sat out practice Tuesday: DT Grady Jackson (rest), DT Rashad Moore (back), DT Kindal Moorehead (knee), WR Laurent Robinson (back), WR Joe Horn (hamstring), CB Chris Houston (shoulder) and LB Robert James (concussion).