Here are five things to know about the Atlanta Falcons, who face the Chicago Bears at 1 p.m. Sunday in Soldier Field in their regular-season opener, on Thursday:

1. Practice. The Falcons practice at 2:20 p.m. Coach Dan Quinn will speak to the media at 1:30 p.m. The open locker for media access will also start at 1:30 p.m.

2. Offense questions. The biggest question entering the season for the Falcons is can Steve Sarkisian keep Kyle Shanahan's offense rolling. Sarkisian meets with the media today after practice.

3. Special teams concerns. Andre Roberts will replace Eric Weems as the kickoff and punt returner. Special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong will address that change today after practice and give a scouting report on the Chicago special teams units.

4. Social media shutdown. If you're looking for insight from Falcons rookie defensive end Takkarist McKinley, don't go to his social media accounts. To focus on football, McKinley imposed a "social media shut down" on himself.

5. Spiral notebook man. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan doesn't use his team-issued iPad to take notes. He keeps them in and old-fashioned notebook in the digital era. 

Falcons rookie defensive end Takkarist McKinley discusses his social media blackout and facing the Chicago Bears. Video by D. Orlando Ledbetter

ATLANTA FALCONS 2017 EXHIBITION SEASON 

GAME FOUR: JAGUARS 13, FALCONS 7

Report card: Jaguars 13, Falcons 7

Falcons pass rush could be lethal 

5 Falcons who helped themselves against Jacksonville

What Dan Quinn had to say after the loss 

What the Falcons had to say after the loss

GAME THREE: CARDINALS 24, FALCONS 14Report card: Cardinals 24, Falcons 14

What the Falcons had to say after the 24-14 loss

What Dan Quinn had to say after the 24-14 loss 

What Matt Ryan had to say after the 24-14 loss

Injury report: Three players declared out for Jacksonville game

GAME TWO: STEELERS 17, FALCONS 13 

Report card: Steelers 17, Falcons 13

Mauger makes magical interception

McKinley gives Falcons' pass rush a boost

What Dan Quinn had to say after the 17-13 loss 

Schweitzer went to battle against Tuitt

GAME ONE: DOLPHINS 23, FALCONS 20

Report card: Dolphins 23, Falcons 20

6 things we learned from the 23-20 loss to the Dolphins

What Devonta Freeman had to say after the 23-20 loss

What Dan Quinn had to say about the loss to the Dolphins

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss tackles Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen after a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Corbin Spencer, right, field director of New Georgia Project and volunteer Rodney King, left, help Rueke Uyunwa register to vote. The influential group is shutting down after more than a decade. (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2017)

Credit: Hyosub Shin