Falcons camp updates: Here’s what happened on the first day of training camp
Credit: Olivia Sayer
The Falcons have landed at Flowery Branch.
Players began reporting to the Falcons’ training camp headquarters on Wednesday, beginning the trek toward a potential playoff flight this season.
There’s already excitement about the Falcons’ outlook this season, with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at the helm. Penix played the last three games of the season and has been named the starter, with veteran Kirk Cousins moving to a backup role.
Bijan Robinson again has high expectations about being one of the best running backs in the league, and he will be one of the focal points of the offense, as Penix gets his footing early in the season.
Check out updates from the AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter, Olivia Sayer and Rod Beard.
Here’s what you need to know if you plan to attend Falcons training camp.
Live updates
Sayer, 11:25 a.m.: Offensive tackle Kaleb McGary was asked about his contract. To paraphrase his answer, “you’re never going to find someone more willing to get paid than me.”
- It’s only Day 1 of team practices, but quarterback Michael Penix Jr. already appeared more confident with completing mid-to-deep routes than he did during minicamp. He had a few solid completions to wide receiver Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts, who often lined up out wide.
Ledbetter, 11:02 a.m.:
— Three horns sounded at 11:02 a.m. to signal the end of the Falcons’ first training camp practice. They have Friday off.
Sayer, 10:55 a.m.:
Fans are enjoying watching the Falcons practice. Their cheers can even be heard from the media work room.
Sayer, 10:50 a.m. Raheem Morris said tight end Kyle Pitts is “ready to go,” and the first day of practice backed up his claim. He consistently lined up at wide receiver with the first team offense and caught multiple passes (including one down the sideline) in 11-on-11 work.
Ledbetter, 10:38 a.m.:
— Veteran safety Jordan Phillips is lining up at safety next to Jessie Bates III with the first-team defense.
— Cornerback Lamar Jackson broke up a deep pass from Michael Penix intended for Ray-Ray McCloud.
— PLAY-OF-THE-DAY CANDIDATE: Running back Bijan Robinson caught a short pass out to the right with linebacker JD Bertrand giving chase. Robinson made his way up the field and then put a spin move on Natrone Brooks. The fans on the hill went wild.
After catching another pass up the left said, Robinson started raising his hands toward the crowd, which wildly cheered.
Beard, 9:43: Ummm. This might be worth watching for the Falcons. Any QB injuries around the league could lead to the phone ringing at Flowery Branch.
Ledbetter, 9:18 a.m.:
Sayer: 9:17 a.m.: Morris said watching Kirk Cousins in Netflix’s “Quarterback” series felt like an actor watching his own movie: “I did have a nice jacket on.”
Beard, 9:12 a.m.: Morris on right tackle Kaleb McGary protecting left-handed QB Michael Penix’s blind side: “I have so much confidence in Kaleb and his ability to go out there and play at a high level, no matter what side he’s blocking on … if he has some issues — which we’re all going to have with some of those freaks on the edge — you have to provide the proper help for him.”
Ledbetter, 9:08 a.m.: Falcons OLB Bralen Trice (knee) will be back at practice after missing all of last season. He will be on a modified practice schedule.
— The Falcons will have their first padded practice on Tuesday.
Beard, 9:03 a.m.: Falcons head coach Raheem Morris opens first training camp presser: “Really fired up about this team, about the organization; really fired up about the fan base.”
Morris says tight end Kyle Pitts is ready to go.
“With Kyle Pitts’ offseason, we operated with an abundance of caution to get him ready,” Morris said. “He’s been cleared. He’s ready to go, but we’ll obviously use with him and a couple of other guys, some other guys, some of the modifications.”
Ledbetter, 9:02 a.m.: Falcons linebacker Troy Anderson (knee) will head to the PUP list.
— Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (foot) and right tackle Kaleb McGary (undisclosed) are ready for practice, but will be on a modified practice schedule.
- Sayer: 9:02 a.m.: They are beginning to let Falcons fans into Training Camp. The gates opened at 8:30 a.m., but a staff member told me they were already lined up at 6:45 a.m.
- Ledbetter, 7:38 a.m.: Former Falcons offensive tackle Kevin Shaffer is here with his son. Shaffer played from 2002-05 with Atlanta. The former 7th-round pick also played with the Browns 2006-08) and Bears (2010). He played in 132 games. Great career!!!
- Ledbetter, 7:02 a.m.:
The first practice begins Thursday morning at 9:30, with fans arriving early at Flowery Branch to catch the first glimpses.
That including Kenneth Neal, 63, and his son-in-law, Montez Watts, 35, both of Marietta.
Fans lined up, donning Falcons jerseys and lawn chairs creating an atmosphere as if they were waiting for concert tickets, looking to get the first glimpse of the 2025 Falcons.
Check back for updates throughout the day.
About the Authors
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
Olivia Sayer joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in May 2025 as an intern on the sports beat. She is earning a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia with a minor in sport management and a sports media certificate. Olivia previously held the titles of digital and assistant sports editor at The Red & Black.
Rod Beard is the Senior Sports Editor for pro sports at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, joining the team after 20-plus years at The Detroit News, where he was a beat writer for the Pistons for seven years, after five years covering the Michigan men's basketball team.
