While most of the starters are not expected to play, reserve quarterback Rex Grossman will get his first action with the Falcons (1-2) when they face the Baltimore Ravens (1-2) at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Georgia Dome.
Grossman, who hasn’t played in an NFL regular-season game since 2011, but was with Cleveland during the 2014 exhibition season, was signed on Aug. 26 to compete for a backup quarterback spot.
“We only had a week’s time to get together,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “I anticipate getting him some work in the second half for sure.”
Grossman, 33, has been staying after to practice to work on his conditioning.
“He’s pushing to get in to football shape for sure,” Quinn said. “One of the things, when you’re out of it for a while, you can simulate training, but there is nothing like being out on the field.”
Grossman, who helped the Chicago Bears reach Super Bowl XLI, knows the offense already. He played for offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan in Houston, Washington and Cleveland.
“The familiarity upstairs is there, the information,” Quinn said. “He’s able to pull the trigger fast and knows where to go with it. We’ll take a good look at him. He’s putting the work in.”
In addition to Grossman, Quinn graciously offered his five things to watch against the Ravens:
1. Coleman and the run game. Rookie Tevin Coleman is set to play, while Devonta Freeman is not expected to play. The Falcons have average just 1.9 yards per carry over three games.
“Tevin is a guy that we are so anxious to see,” Quinn said. “He had a little bit (of action) last week. I think we just (saw) a glimpse of him on his tough run, where he spun around. We’re hoping for him to get more work. He’s looking terrific in practice this week.”
The Falcons don’t seem too worried about the rushing attack.
“We can’t wait for that part to come to life like we are expecting,” Quinn said. “The way we want to feature Julio (Jones), Roddy (White) and the guys in the pass game, that element is such an important part for us to have play-action and the keepers that go with it. I totally think that it goes hand-in-hand.”
2. Schraeder and Asamoah to get close look. The offensive line must rebound from a porous showing against a stout Miami front.
“Up front, on the offensive line, I can’t wait to see Ryan Schraeder,” Quinn said. “I’m anxious to see him going in and working his skills exactly like he wants to. Jon Asamoah is another one. I look forward to see the work that he can do.”
3. Collins making strides. Rookie cornerback Jalen Collins has made some progress.
“Over on the defensive side, some of the guys who have really jumped out, I’d say Jalen Collins is one,” Quinn said. “He’s put together some really good games over the last couple of weeks (with regard to) the details to it and the sharpness that he’s playing with. I want to see that continue and for him to take another step.”
4. Keep an eye on No. 49. Undrafted rookie linebacker Derek Akunne, has some speed and striking ability. He's been slowed by a foot injury, but is expected to play against the Ravens.
“We are hoping to get Akunne back,” Quinn said. “If he can get some time in, he’s somebody that we certainly think highly of and can’t want to see him play.”
5. Allen still worth watching. Strong safety William Moore has missed the past two games and may make a cameo appearance.
“I want to continue to see the work at both of the safety spots,” Quinn said. “With Ricardo (Allen), in terms of playing the middle of the field, we’ve been really pleased with the style and the effort that he’s played with.”
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