Falcons starting left cornerback Desmond Trufant has a shoulder strain and likely will not play in the exhibition season opener at 7 p.m. Friday at the Georgia Dome.
Phillips took Trufant place in the base defense and rookie Kevin White, an undrafted player from Texas Christian, played nickel back in the first-team defense.
“He sprained his shoulder,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “We are taking it day by day with him. Hopefully, we’ll have him back in the next couple of days.”
The Falcons don’t plan to risk re-injury by playing against the Tennessee Titans.
“He’s going to get treatment today and tomorrow,” Quinn said. “Then we are going to try and take it through tomorrow, but that’s (not playing him) is where we are leaning.”
It’s interesting that White is geting some action because he apparently has leaped in front of second-round draft pick Jalen Collins, who has struggled in practice, and converted free safety Dezmen Southward.
“At that position and safety, we can’t wait to see some of the guys go,” Quinn said. “You’ll see a number of guys in there early.”
White has clearly impressed the coaching staff.
“It’s his quickness,” Quinn said. “When he’s inside at nickel that the thing. He’s such a smart guy. He knows how to break (on the ball.)”
