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FLOWERY BRANCH -- Here are five quick takes from the Falcons open OTA session on Tuesday:
1. Antone Smith back. Running back Antone Smith, who broke his leg on Nov. 16 against Carolina, returned to practice.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
The Falcons are revamping the running back position this season after releasing Steven Jackson and not re-signing Jacquizz Rodgers. They drafted Devonta Freeman in the fourth round in 2014 and picked up Tevin Coleman in the third round of the 2015 draft.
Smith believes that he’s a fit for the team’s new outside-zone blocking scheme.
“It’s a fit for my skill set, but it’s a fit for anybody that wants to run the ball,” Smith said recently. "They want to run the ball here and that’s the biggest thing. They want to run the ball. I don’t care who’s the running back you want to be in this scheme right here. I’m happy for this scheme.”
2. The injury report. Safety William Moore (safety), linebacker Brooks Reed (hamstring), center/guard Joe Hawley (knee), tackle Jake Matthews (foot), cornerback Jalen Collins (foot) and center/guard Peter Konz (knee) worked out with the training staff. Tackle Sam Baker (knee) and defensive back (knee) were likely inside receiving rehab treatment.
3. Absent. Guard Jon Asamoah and wide receiver/returner Devin Hester were not at the practice.
Recent signee Chris Chester lined up at right guard with the second line.
4. Bryant Young in the house. Former NFL standout Bryant Young watched practice with team chaplain Jason Webster. He was a former student under head coach Dan Quinn.
5. First fight. Cornerback Kevin White and running back Devonta Freeman got into a scuffle after a run wide left. The fight went to the ground and the two had to be separated.
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