Falcons rookie defensive lineman John Cominsky is fully recovered from his ankle injury and set to see more action over the final two regular-season games.
“We are certainly looking forward to seeing him both at defensive end and possibly some at nickel defensive tackle,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “That is why he is a versatile guy. At 285-290 (pounds), he has got speed to be able to play outside but sometimes when you kick that speed inside, it can help.”
Cominsky, a fourth-round pick, played at Division II Charleston (W.Va.). He played 63 defensive snaps (6.7%) and 28 special team snaps (7%) in eight games before the injury. He had six tackles, a quarterback hit and a pass defensed.
“He needs the experience, too,” Quinn said. “That training time and experience is an important time for him.”
With defensive end Takk McKinley (left shoulder) going on injured reserve on Tuesday and defensive tackle Jack Crawford (thigh) ailing, there are some available snaps along the defensive line.
The ankle sprain was problematic for the stout 6-foot-5 defender.
“I would say over the last week and a half he has been back to himself,” Quinn said. “Where he has looked like himself moving and changing direction and doing all of the things that you need to do.”
Cominsky, who’s been inactive for the past six games, is looking forward to his return.
“It seemed like I was building a little bit of momentum for myself and getting a little bit more playing time,” Cominsky said. “You could say I was getting a little bit more comfortable. I look at the injury as wake-up call.”
The injury shed some light on the reality of pro football for Cominsky.
“I take certain things a little bit more seriously,” Cominsky said. “I was getting a little comfortable with my role. Maybe I just needed something to push me a little more. The opportunity with two games to finish strong is exciting. I’m going to give everything that I’ve got for these last two games and try to leave a good taste in my mouth going into the offseason.”
Cominsky was a high school quarterback, who weighed 215 pounds and didn’t have any scholarship offers coming out of Barberton (Ohio) High. He developed into a pass-rusher menace while at Charleston and impressed NFL scouts with his physical and intellectual capacity (31 Wonderlic score).
He finished his college career with 218 tackles (48½ for loss) and 16 sacks.
Cominsky was just starting to get comfortable in the NFL.
“In college, I was going against guys I could over power, easily at the Division II level,” he said. “When I got here, I thought I was just going to get thrown around and dumped on my head. But something that I figured out about myself is that I just needed a little bit of confidence. I can throw these guys around the same way with good technique.”
Quinn, defensive line coach Jess Simpson, assistant defensive line coach Travis Jones and defensive assistant Aden Durde have spent time working with Cominsky.
“The coaches have built a good base in me as far as technique goes,” Cominsky said. “When I use that technique, I can throw guys around just like I did at Charleston. So, the big thing that I’ve learned is how important confidence is and your matchups.”
Others have helped with Cominsky’s development.
“Then even Brich (Jeff Ulbrich) our (defensive coordinator) and even guys on the offensive side of the ball have helped me out,” Cominsky said. “I’ve picked up bits and pieces and then all of the veteran (defensive) linemen have been there and have my back. They’ve pointed things out to me when I’ve needed it. When they see something that maybe a coach didn’t spot. I’ve got a lot of help.”
Pro Bowler Grady Jarrett is looking forward to Cominsky’s return.
“He’s definitely been working hard since he’s been here,” Jarrett said. “Unfortunately he got hurt. He’s been working his tail off to try to get back. He’s excited to go out there on the field, get some reps in and try to get some more experience in his young career so he can continue to grow as a player and try to make an impact on this team.”
Jarrett has been impressed with Cominsky’s small body of work thus far.
“He’s a big dude,” Jarrett said. “He’s versatile. He can play all across the defensive line, whether if it’s tackle or end. He’s a factor on special teams. We are excited for him to show what he can do. He’s a guy that wants to prove it to us that he belongs. He wants to go out there and have a good showing.”
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