The Falcons, in the name of competition, continue to move around players along the offensive line.
Chris Chester, who was signed this offseason after being released by Washington, worked as the first-team right guard, in place of Jon Asamoah, on Monday.
“Chester, we’ve moved him into that role some,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “(James) Stone some at the (left) guard. He’s looked good. (Joe) Hawley and (Mike) Person back and forth at the center. But Chris is one that has really jumped out to us in terms of his quickness and power.”
Quinn and his staff has not set the offensive line, which will need to work in unison in the outside zone blocking system.
“We always knew Mike could be a swing guy between guard and center,” Quinn said. “Then (Ryan) Schraeder and (Jake) Matthews at the tackles, that’s kind of staying entrenched. There is still a lot going on with the inside there, but Chester is certainly one that has jumped out for sure.”
Quinn doesn’t seem to be a rush to set the offensive line.
“We are still looking for the combinations,” Quinn said. “It will change. We are still trying to find the roles for the guys. It’s an important one for us to get it right. We’ll still keep battling going through and the games are also a part of that evaluation, too.”
Quinn would not say that Asamoah has fallen behind in the competition.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say fallen behind,” Quinn said. “I think the battle is still wide open for him. Jon is a terrific competitor. He had it for awhile. Chester is up there for awhile. We’ve also moved guys from left guard to right guard who can play inside as well. He’s someone that we’re totally counting on as well, Jon.”
Asamoah, 27, was signed to a five-year, $22.5 million contract during free agency in 2014.
Chester, 32, was signed to a one-year, $2.8 million contract on May 29.
Asamoah played 966 snaps and gave up two sacks, three hits and 21 hurries last season. He was the 23rd rated guard of the group who played 50 percent or more of their team’s offensive snaps, according to profootballfocus.com.
Chester has started 111 of 137 games for the Ravens and Redskins. Chester was snapped up after being released by Washington.
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