FLOWERY BRANCH — Here’s a quick look at the Falcons’ position battles to watch in the exhibition opener against the Miami Dolphins at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Georgia Dome:
Nickel back: Christopher Owens, Dominique Franks and Rafael Bush. Owens opened last season as the top nickel back. Franks is having a strong camp, and secondary coach Tim Lewis mentioned Bush as a competitor.
Punter: Matt Bosher and Ken Parrish. Bosher was selected in the sixth round of the draft (192nd overall) and is set to handle the punting, kickoff and holding duties. Parrish averaged 40.7 yards per punt in the UFL in 2010.
Right guard: Garrett Reynolds and Mike Johnson. Reynolds will get a chance to take the lead to replace Harvey Dahl at right guard. Johnson will miss the game because of a concussion.
Outside linebacker: Sean Weatherspoon, Stephen Nicholas and Mike Peterson. Weatherspoon and Peterson opened last season as starters. Nicholas, who was re-signed in free agency. He started 11 games after Weatherspoon was slowed by ankle and knee injuries.
Running back: Jason Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers. Snelling was third on the team with 44 receptions last season as the team's primary third-down back. Rodgers was drafted in the fifth round (145th overall) and will get a chance to take over that role in the offense.
