Hardy, Wheeler set to make debuts with Falcons
With wide receivers Leonard Hankerson and Nick Williams inactive, Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy is set to make his debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
Hardy, who played at East Carolina, starred during the exhibition season, but he needed some time to help comprehend the Falcons’ playbook.
“We didn’t have a playbook at ECU,” Hardy said. “I wouldn’t say it was a system. We had plays, but it wasn’t literally in a playbook like we have here.”
Veterans receiver Roddy White and Julio Jones have helped Hardy with his football studies.
“Any time that I get a chance to get with the older guys, they give me things to pick up on and things to know,” Hardy said. “It’s been real good so I feel confident enough to know what’s going on.”
Hardy flashed some big-play ability in the exhibition season and had a 70-yard punt return.
Also, linebacker Philip Wheeler, who started at Georgia Tech, is set to make his debut with the Falcons. He’s set to play on special teams.
In addition to Hankerson and Williams, safety William Moore, cornerback Dezmen Southward, center Gino Gradkowski, tackle Bryce Harris and defensive end Malliciah Goodman.
Tampa Bay will be without wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who was declared inactive along with quarterback Ryan Griffin, cornerback Tim Jennings, safety Major Wright, defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and defensive tackle Clinton McDonald.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
