The NFL notified its 32 teams Thursday that they can resume business operations starting at 8 a.m. Friday.
Falcons coach Mike Smith said the team will convene for their first meeting of the offseason at 8 a.m. Monday.
“We are excited to having the guys back in the building,” Smith said.
The players normally would be working in the offseason conditioning program. Smith said the team would not take the field.
“It’s like we would normally do with our sequencing. We are going to spend sometime in the weight room and going through the process of evaluating where our guys are in terms of what kind of shape they are in and whether they are ready to go,” Smith said.
He said the organized team activities would come in May.
The NFL, embroiled in a bitter labor dispute with the NFLPA, was forced to lift the lockout after Judge Susan Richard Nelson ruled in favor of the players, granting a preliminary injunction Monday. She denied the league’s motion to stay her decision Wednesday.
While the league plans to exhaust its legal moves by requesting that an appeals court grant a stay of the preliminary injunction while waiting to hear their motion for an appeal, they are going to comply with Nelson’s order to lift the lockout.
However, the NFL is still working out the procedures for matters such as player transactions will be conducted. They hope to distribute those guidelines to the teams Friday, which will also include the timing for the commencement of the 2011 league year, free-agent signings and all other transactions.
Medical treatment
Falcons middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, who is recovering from two knee operations, can now see the team’s doctors and trainers.
Also, safety Shann Schillinger, who is recovering from a fractured ankle, and wide receiver Kerry Meier, who is rehabilitating from knee surgery, can also get medical guidance from the team.
Rest of the draft
The Falcons currently have one pick in the draft Friday, the 91st overall pick, in the third round.
On Saturday, they have five picks scheduled. The Falcons have the 158th (fifth round) and 192nd (sixth round) picks. They also have three seventh-round picks — Nos. 209, 228 and 229 overall.
Getting dirty
The Falcons like the way that Julio Jones, their first-round pick, blocks in the running game.
“Our receivers are going to block, and Julio fits that mold,” Smith said. “That is one of the things we look really closely at. Not only is he an outstanding pass catcher, but he has great speed. He is a very competitive guy. He loves to block, and there is no doubt about it.”
About the Author
