The Falcons will deploy more starters in Thursday’s preseason game at Miami, but potential left guard James Carpenter will not be in uniform as the hip muscle injury he suffered Sunday in practice will add him to the list of players who will not see action against the Dolphins.
Carpenter, who signed with the Falcons as a free agent in the offseason, entered training camp competing with another acquisition, Jamon Brown, but wrenched himself in Sunday's practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Brown appeared to tweak something late in Monday's practice at team headquarters, meaning that three of the team's four offseason primary offensive line additions have been hobbled.
Rookie Kaleb McGary, a first-round draft choice, left the team last week and underwent an ablation procedure to address irregular heartbeat. He and Ty Sambrailo are competing for the right tackle spot.
All of this news might might spark bad memories. Last year, starting guards Andy Levitre and Brandon Fusco were lost to season-ending injuries as the Falcons went 7-9 and missed the playoffs.
“I didn’t see him come out,” Quinn said of Brown, who was a limited participant in post-practice drills. “I’ll have a better answer for you (Tuesday) as (Carpenter) is going to the doctor today, getting an MRI.”
The vast majority of Atlanta starters were not in uniform last Thursday when the
in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio.
That will change Thursday at Miami after the Falcons over-focused on their rookies and practice squad players from last year.
“The first game to me was kind of a bonus game for all the rookies, and now all the guys who are more veteran players, their ... exhibition season begins,” Quinn said.
The head coach said that quarterback Matt Ryan will play, “At least some plays, for sure.”
Several players are sure not to play.
Wide receiver Julio Jones and middle linebacker Deion Jones continue to work on the side during practice as they mend/rehabilitate/protect feet.
Also in the sidecar Monday: receiver Calvin Ridley (hamstring), defensive lineman Ra’Shede Hageman (groin), running back Marcus Green (hamstring) and linebacker Duke Riley (groin, hip flexor).
Starting left cornerback Desmond Trufant (back strain) was again limited Monday, and not working with the side group, and linebacker Foye Oluokun (oblique strain) did not practice.
