FLOWERY BRANCH -- It was the Falcons’ third day in pads Wednesday, and they finished with a spirited 11-on-11 session.
There were several apparent fumbles, but coach Arthur Smith said most of them occurred after he’d blown the whistle and the defenders kept ripping at the ball.
Here are five things we learned:
1. Jones update: Linebacker Deion Jones remains on the physically-unable-to-perform list.
“Overall, we’re in pretty good shape,” Smith said. “It’s been a week, so I’ll give the Deion (Jones) update. Trending in the right direction. Don’t have a firm timetable, but I think he’s headed in the right direction.”
Jones, who had offseason shoulder surgery, is expected back near the start of the season.
2. Attendance: Smith said he’ll make announcements on major injuries such as Vincent Taylor’s (ruptured Achilles), but noted that some players are on different rest-and-recovery plans.
Defensive tackle Anthony Rush was not at practice Wednesday.
“Rush is fine,” Smith said.
3. White at practice: Former Falcons wide receiver Roddy White was on hand for practice. He watched portions of practice with general manager Terry Fontenot. (He was probably telling him how much he hates New Orleans.)
White told D.J. Shockley that he needed some help getting tickets for the Georgia-Oregon college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
4. One-on-one blocking: Outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone had one of the best pass rushes of the day against undrafted rookie tackle Tyler Vrabel. He set up Vrabel with an outside move and then broke free inside and had a free run to the imaginary quarterback.
Guard Jalen Mayfield, who struggled Tuesday, was better at anchoring against defenders.
Guard Colby Gossett, who’s backing up Chris Lindstrom on the right side, stoned a couple of defenders.
5. Deep passing: Smith has been pleased with the quarterbacks, but wants to connect on more of the deep passes.
“(Tight end) Kyle (Pitts) continues to improve,” Smith said. “He’s made a ton of plays. The one critique I have and the quarterbacks have been throwing the ball, throwing it decent. Pushing the ball down the field. We have to make some of the plays. Some of them have been covered. (Cornerback) A.J. (Terrell) made a play on one.”
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