Falcons rookies to be tested at mini-camp

The Falcons’ rookies need to be ready for a rude awakening.

Falcons coach Mike Smith plans to throw the kitchen sink at the group to see how the young players process information — starting with Friday’s practice, the first day of a three-day mini-camp at the team facilities in Flowery Branch.

“In five practices, they are going to get a good percentage of what we do,” Smith said. “It’s a really good barometer in terms of how they are going to handle the differences adjusting from the college game to the NFL.”

The Falcons will be near full strength.

Tight end Ben Hartsock, who made eight starts in the first 11 games last season, has been cleared to return to practice.

Hartsock injured a toe in the 45-28 victory over Carolina on Nov. 23 and was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season. He initially had a cast around his foot that went up to his kneecap.

“We anticipate that he will be able to go through the mini-camp,” Smith said. “We will have to wait and see how he handles back-to-back practices, but he’s been cleared to go.”

Reserve lineman Alex Stepanovich will not be available because he “had a procedure done on his back last week,” Smith said.

Cornerback Von Hutchins, who suffered a broken foot in the first practice of training camp last July, will be limited in how much he can participate.

“But we anticipate that he will be ready to go when we start our [organized training activities] on the 20th of May,” Smith said. “We are just being real careful in terms of putting him out there.”

Safety Jamaal Fudge and cornerback Glenn Sharpe have been excused for personal reasons.

“Everybody else should be ready to go,” Smith said.

The Falcons will have two practices on Friday and Saturday and one on Mother’s Day.

Both sessions on Saturday are open to the public. The first practice on Saturday starts at 10:30 a.m., with the gates opening at 9:30. The second practice starts at 4:15 p.m. with the gates opening at 3:15.

“We are hoping the weather is good on Saturday so that we can have a nice crowd and give everybody a chance to see our 2009 roster for the first time,” Smith said.