Garland opens training camp with first-team offense

When the Falcons went offense against defense in passing drills Thursday, Ben Garland was working at right guard with the first unit, and Wes Schweitzer with the second unit.

Rookie Sean Harlow, a fourth-round draft choice out of Oregon State, drew snaps with the second unit at left guard.

“Ben was the one that started the whole thing off,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “Wes and those guys, we’ll rotate them through.”

Garland and Schweitzer also will spend some time at center. The loser of the competition must be able to play all three interior line positions as a backup center and swing guard.

“Some days one will be a guard and some at center,” Quinn said. “Some days we’ll have them both at guard. (Offensive line coach) Chris (Morgan) is going to be real deliberate in how we go about creating those reps.”

While the first padded practice is Saturday, Quinn said the battle to replace Chris Chester at starting right guard will rage well into the exhibition season. Chester retired over the offseason.

“It’s going to be awhile before somebody steps up there,” Quinn said. “The reason being at their position it’s going to be so much about having the contact and the protection that goes along with having the pads.”