FLOWERY BRANCH — Over the past two seasons when the Falcons played on the road, offensive tackle Jose Valdez usually hosted viewing parties for practice-squad players.
Now, Valdez hopes to land a final roster and make those parties a fond memory.
“It’s time to step up,” Valdez said. “I want to be out there helping the team.”
Valdez, who played at Arkansas and blocked for future NFL running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, originally signed with the Falcons as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2009. He spent the entire 2009 and 2010 seasons on the team’s practice squad.
Over that period, the 6-foot-6, 321-pound Valdez has developed some nimble footwork.
In the exhibition opener against Miami on Friday, he played more than three quarters, spelling left tackle Sam Baker.
“I’m making the transition, so that I will be able to play both sides,” Valdez said. “It’s a work in progress, but it’s coming along great.”
Valdez knows that his practice-squad time is up.
“It’s now or never,” Valdez said. “It’s time. A couple of guys were let go. There is a spot there for me. I just have to compete and try my best to get that spot.”
From the viewing parties and going against the first-teamers in practice, the practice-squad players have developed a bond.
“It’s been a learning experience,” Valdez said. “Coach [Mike] Mularkey stressed to us that we have to work. Every practice is our game. Just compete and help give the guys a good look.”
In the past, offensive-line coach Paul Boudreau has singled out Valdez for praise.
“There was a reason why they kept me around for two years,” Valdez said. “There is something about me that they like.”
More than 25 scouts from the NFL and the Canadian Football League were on hand for the Falcons’ game against the Dolphins at the Georgia Dome.
New England, Baltimore, Seattle, Green Bay and the British Columbia Lions were some of the teams represented. They were scouting the bottom of the Falcons’ roster for players such as Valdez, who are NFL-ready.
Other players from last season’s practice squad who are in training camp: safety Rafael Bush, wide receivers Tim Buckley, Andy Strickland and Brandyn Harvey, defensive end Emmanuel Stephens, linebackers Bear Woods and Robert James, tight end Marquez Branson and center Rob Bruggeman.
Kelly returns
Reggie Kelly, who was drafted by the Falcons in the second round (42nd overall) of the 1999 draft, signed with the team Tuesday.
The Falcons are thin at tight end after Justin Peelle suffered a knee injury against Miami. The extent of Peelle’s injury has not been fully disclosed.
Kelly played with the Falcons from 1999 to 2002. He developed into a solid blocking tight end while playing in Cincinnati from 2003-10.
He will be reunited with Bob Bratkowski, the Falcons’ quarterbacks coach, who was Cincinnati’s offensive coordinator during Kelly’s tenure with the Bengals.
The Falcons worked out tight end Anthony Becht on Sunday.
Etc.
Cornerback Christopher Owens made a difficult two-handed overhead interception of a Chris Redman deep pass that was intended for Harry Douglas at practice. Owens, who’s in a battle with Dominique Franks for the nickel-back position, drew raves from safety Thomas DeCoud and cornerback Brent Grimes for the pick. ... Cornerback Dunta Robinson suffered a mild hamstring injury while covering Julio Jones on a pass route Monday and didn’t practice Tuesday. ... Linebacker Akeem Dent (knee), quarterback John Parker Wilson (concussion), defensive tackle Vance Walker (ankle) did not practice. Also, James did not practice for an undisclosed reason. ... Veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez and center Todd McClure were held out of practice. ... On Jones’ 12-yard gain on a reverse against Miami, Pro Bowlers Ovie Mughelli and Roddy White had the key blocks.
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