FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons re-examined offensive tackle Lamar Holmes’ injured left toe and decided to hold the team’s third-round draft pick out until the start of training camp in late July.
The Falcons previously hoped that Holmes, the 91st pick overall, would be ready to practice by the team’s minicamp, which is set for June 19-21.
“Lamar Holmes will not participate in the rest of the offseason program,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said after Wednesday’s non-contact drills. “We are going to be very precautionary.”
Holmes is making progress and was walking without a boot.
Smith also noted that defensive tackle Corey Peters (foot) would not be available until training camp.
“[Linebacker] Stephen Nicholas [toe] is still progressing with his procedure where he missed some time last season as well,” Smith said.
Also, defensive end Cliff Matthews was out with an undisclosed injury.
New look for a cause
Wide receiver Julio Jones, sporting a new haircut, continued to shine in the workouts.
“There is a little less weight on the top of his head with his dreads gone, but he’s had a very good camp for us as you saw today,” Smith said. “He made some very nice catches, and he’s been making those types of catches all through camp.”
For Jones, cutting his hair was about more than just a new look.
Gone are the dreadlocks that were a trademark for Jones through his first season in Atlanta and his collegiate career at Alabama.
Jones cut his hair and donated it to a charity that helps children with cancer.
“We do a lot of community service here, and from going to a lot of hospitals and seeing all the kids who are fans of mine, I just cut my hair and donated it for leukemia patients,” Jones said Wednesday.
Jones said he has run into a number of people who double-take in his direction, unsure if he is really the Falcons receiver. There are no plans to grow his hair out again.
“I like the new look,” he said.
Samuel missing
Cornerback Asante Samuel, who had a previous engagement, was not at practice. Defensive end John Abraham and tight end Tony Gonzalez also were absent. Samuel took part in Tuesday’s session.
Cornerback rotation
With Samuel out, Brent Grimes played the left side. Dunta Robinson played the right. When the team went to the nickel, Robinson slid inside and Christopher Owens went to the right side.
Dominique Franks and Darrin Walls were the second-team corners.
Robert McClain and Marty Markett were the third-team corners. Markett made a nice interception of a tipped pass, but got “coached up” when he tried to reverse field instead of streaming up the sideline.
Staff writer Chris Vivlamore contributed to this article.
