With both starting guards out for the season, Zane Beadles, a nine-year veteran who's started 115 NFL games, was signed to provide some depth along the Falcons' offensive line on Tuesday.
Here’s what Beadles had to say before going to practice on Wednesday:
Q. What were you doing while the season was going on?
A. I was training. I spent the past few years in Orange County, California. I was down there training and staying ready and waiting for an opportunity.
Q. What did the Falcons say when they called?
A. They said they wanted me to come and work out. They wanted to see what kind of shape I was in and go from there.
Q. Are you fine with playing at tackle?
A. That's fine by me. I played left guard for a lot of years and then the last couple of years, I've played all five positions. I'm comfortable with that. I'm here to work and contribute. Where ever I'm needed, I'm good with that.
Q. Are your familiar with the scheme?
A. I am. It's what ran in San Francisco last year. There will definitely be some learning from being out for a while. Hearing it over and over again, little tweaks here and there, but overall it's a lot of the same terminology and all of that.
Q. How would you describe your game for the Falcons fans who may not have seen you play?
A. I go out there and try to work as hard as I can every day. I'm a guy who takes pride in knowing what I'm supposed to do and doing it as hard as I can and as fast as I can. Being a great teammate. Those are the pillars that I try to lean on.
Q. What's been the key to your longevity?
A. Taking care of myself. Staying in the book and always making sure that I know where I'm at mentally. Then doing as much as I can physically to recover, eat well, stretch and lift. All of that kind of stuff. There is a lot that goes into it.
Q. How quick can you get ready to play if they need you?
A. We'll see. Today is going to be the first practice that I have had since last season. I'm going to go out there and work hard. See where I'm at. I'm excited for the opportunity. I'm excited to get back out there.
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