Although most of the starters will be rested, several roster spots will be up for grabs when the Falcons (1-2) face the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2) at 6 p.m. Thursday at EverBank Field.
Don’t expect to see quarterback Matt Ryan, wide receivers Julio Jones or Roddy White. Even running back Steven Jackson, who just returned to practice this week, is expected to be held out.
This game is for the players aiming for spots 40 to 53 on the roster.
“It will be very important for a number of guys,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “The competition has been very good all through training camp.”
Also, the players hoping to land a spot on the expanded 10-player practice squad can take a step forward against the Jaguars.
“This year, we’ll have the opportunity if they clear waivers, to bring 10 back on our practice squad,” Smith said.
There may be some surprises.
“This year has been really interesting coming into camp to see how competitive it is at all levels,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “Not only at our veteran level, but also at the rookie level. Coach Mike Smith has done such a great job of getting the point across that it doesn’t matter where you were drafted or the money you’re paid or where you were the last few years. It is about competing for that job.”
Here’s a position-by-position look — at the locks, those on the bubble and longshot candidates. The Falcons will likely cut on Friday, but have until 4 p.m. Saturday to pick their 53 players.
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACKS (2)
Overview: Matt Ryan has had a spectacular exhibition season. T.J. Yates has appeared shaky at times. Sean Renfree has arguably outplayed Yates and earned the No. 2 spot. With the issues on defense, the Falcons don't have the luxury of keeping three quarterbacks. Perhaps, they can sneak Renfree through waivers and get him on the practice squad.
Lock: Ryan.
On the bubble: Yates and Renfree.
RUNNING BACKS (5/6)
Overview: The Falcons need Steven Jackson to have a comeback season. The supporting cast is strong. Signing veteran free-agent fullback Vonta Leach has been discussed.
Locks: Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers, Antone Smith and Devonta Freeman.
On the bubble: Patrick DiMarco.
Longshot: Maurice Hagens.
WIDE RECEIVERS (5/6)
Overview: The top four are set. Courtney Roby and Eric Weems can help on special teams. Bernard Reedy and Geraldo Boldewijn will likely resurface on the practice squad.
Locks: Julio Jones, Roddy White, Harry Douglas and Devin Hester.
On the bubble: Roby, Weems and Reedy.
Longshots: Boldewijn, Freddie Martino and Jeremy Ebert.
TIGHT ENDS (2/3)
Overview: The hope is for Levine Toilolo to become a red-zone threat. Bear Pascoe is a blocker.
Locks: Toilolo, Pascoe.
On the bubble: Mickey Shuler.
Longshot: Jacob Pedersen.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9/10)
Overview: Lamar Holmes has to atone for last season. The Falcons like the depth because the reserves now have NFL experience.
Locks: Jake Matthews, Justin Blalock, Joe Hawley, Jon Asamoah and Holmes.
On the bubble: Ryan Schraeder, Gabe Carimi, Peter Konz, Pat McQuistan and Harland Gunn.
Longshots: Terren Jones, Adam Replogle and James Stone.
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE ENDS (5/6)
Overview: Osi Umenyiora could flourish in his designed pass-rusher role. Jonathan Massaquoi could have a breakout season.
Locks: Kroy Biermann, Umenyiora, Jonathan Babineaux, Massaquoi, Malliciah Goodman.
On the bubble: Stansly Maponga.
Longshots: Jacques Smith and Tyler Starr.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES (5/6)
Overview: Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson makes the defense strong up the middle. Ra'Shede Hageman is a rotational player for now.
Locks: Soliai, Jackson, Corey Peters and Hageman.
On the bubble: Travian Robertson and Cliff Matthews.
Longshots: Donte Rumph and Nosa Eguae.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS (5/6)
Overview: Paul Worrilow, Joplo Bartu and Prince Shembo are the top three linebackers. Playing behind the hefty tackles, Worrilow and Bartu should be free to smash the opposition's run game.
Locks: Worrilow, Bartu and Shembo.
On the bubble: Tim Dobbins and Pat Angerer and Yawin Smallwood.
CORNERBACKS (5/6)
Overview: Second-year players Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford will man the outside, while the team uses a committee approach at nickel back.
Locks: Trufant, Alford, Josh Wilson, Javier Arenas and Robert McClain.
On the bubble: Ricardo Allen and Jordan Mabin.
SAFETIES (3/4)
Overview: William Moore is hoping to return to Pro Bowl form. If Dezmen Southward can stay healthy, he could take over the starting free safety spot.
Locks: Moore, Dwight Lowery, Southward and Kemal Ishmael.
On the bubble: Sean Baker.
Longshot: Kimario McFadden.
SPECIALISTS (3)
Overview: Matt Bryant, Matt Bosher and Devin Hester gave the Falcons a chance to have elite special-teams units.
Locks: K Bryant. P Bosher. LS Josh Harris.
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