A few players for the Falcons are not participating fully in the team’s offseason program, yet team officials expect wide receiver Julio Jones, center Alex Mack, cornerback Desmond Trufant, and defensive linemen Derrick Shelby and Adrian Clayborn to be recovered from injuries for training camp.
“At this point we do (believe all the players will be full go by mid-summer), unless there is a setback that occurs along the way,” coach Dan Quinn said. “We’re very encouraged by the timelines they’re on.
“They’ll be doing some type of participation this spring. At what level I don’t know, but I do anticipate by the time we get back in July. … I think they’ll be ready to go.”
Jones, the All-Pro wideout, struggled last season with a toe injury and foot problems, missing two regular-season games. He had surgery after the Super Bowl, and is walking with no apparent limp.
Shelby suffered a torn Achilles tendon last October. Trufant tore a pectoral muscle a few weeks later. Clayborn tore a biceps in the playoff win over Seattle. Mack suffered a chip fracture in his left fibula in the NFC Championship game win over Green Bay, missed one play, and then played in the Super Bowl.
All except Mack required surgery.
“There’s a couple guys … (who) are going to be limited as far as the offseason goes. They’re all participating in some fashion,” Quinn explained. “Tru, Claiborne and Shelby are all participating in some fashion with workouts and rehab. Offensively, Julio Jones would be the one in that spot.
“Those four are under half-strength and conditioning guidelines and half-training guidelines. They’re off to a good start. Mack saw the docs recently, and he’s doing great. He may have some limitations, but he’s in the program.”
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