Day 1: Five things we learned at training camp
With star wide receiver Julio Jones on hand, the Falcons completed their first 2018 training-camp practice in front of a flock of fans Friday.
Here are the five things we learned:
1. Jones sharp. Jones was one of the first players out on the field for practice. He agreed to a restructured contract Thursday. He looked sharp in his drills.
2. Matthews extension. Left tackle Jake Matthews agreed to a five-year contract extension with the team.
3. Blank on hand. Owner Arthur Blank was on hand for the practice and discussed the contract extension for Jones, the national anthem and Atlanta hosting the Super Bowl. (Check back later for full story.)
4. Returners. The Falcons need to find a new punt and kickoff returner. Wide receivers Justin Hardy and Marvin Hall were catching punts on the first day of practice.
5. Injury report. Left guard Andy Levitre (torn pectoral muscle) and defensive end Takkarist McKinley (shoulder) took part in the first practice. Both were recovering over the entire offseason.
(Check back later for stories on Jones and Blank and for Mark Bradley’s column.)
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
