Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins will receive extensive action over the final two exhibition games before he serves his four-game suspension for using performing enhancing drugs.
“He played a lot and got extended time last week and we’ll do that again (against Miami) and into the next one knowing that will be his action for the next month,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said.
Collins played 23 snaps against Cleveland, the most of any defensive player on the team and finished with two tackles.
Collins, who was drafted in the second round of the 2015 draft, struggled as a rookie. He was trying to come back from foot surgery and never really got comfortable.
The Falcons hoped Collins would land the right cornerback job and then they could move Robert Alford to nickel back to shut down speedy slot receivers. That plan is on hold for now.
However, Collins, a big corner at 6-1 and 203 pounds, is still an important figure for the Falcons.
Carolina can present big receivers in Devin Funchess (6-4, 225) and Kelvin Benjamin (6-5, 245), while the Bucs have Vincent Jackson (6-5, 230) and Mike Evans (6-5, 231). That’s four games against massive receivers and if Collins can get ready, he can help in the Falcons defensive scheme.
The Falcons must also find out if C.J. Goodwin, who’s 6-3, 190 pounds, can successfully finish his conversion to cornerback from wide receiver.
Quinn has been pleased with how Collins has handled his suspension.
“He really came in with the right mindset knowing that was one of the first things we did when we talked to him right from the start saying these are the guidelines and this is what we’re looking for you in this camp,” Quinn said.
Collins is still developing.
“I’ve seen a real increase from the spring even into training camp on his play,” Quinn said. “He was one of the guys that got his hands on one and made two interceptions (Monday). Good day by Jalen.”
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