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Quinn hopeful McKinley will debut in next exhibition

Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Duke Riley (42) yells from the sidelines, during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Credit: Lynne Sladky

Credit: Lynne Sladky

Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Duke Riley (42) yells from the sidelines, during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
By
Aug 11, 2017

Falcons first-round pick Takkarist McKinley was held out of Thursday’s exhibition opener against the Dolphins. However, coach Dan Quinn is hopeful that the defensive lineman will play against Pittsburgh on Aug. 20.

Several other rookies played well Thursday. Linebacker Duke Riley and defensive back Damontae Kazee played strong games in the 23-20 loss.

“He looked really aware in the system,” Quinn said of Riley. “Some of the time, you are looking for those first-year player mistakes, and he didn’t have a lot of those. ... He looked real comfortable in the system.”

Sean Harlow played 52 snaps at offensive lineman, which was second on the team behind backup center Cornelius Edison.

Tight end Eric Saubert had a dropped pass and a penalty.

Undrafted receiver Reggie Davis had a big punt return and a nice block on Terron Ward’s long run.

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.

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