Several key Falcons players checked in at the team facilities for minicamp today, but the team won’t be playing with a full deck.
According to Jason Butt at the Athletic, both tight end Austin Hooper and cornerback Desmond Trufant will not be participating in camp this year. The good news is that Hooper is dealing with a non-serious ankle injury and Trufant has been excused for personal reasons.
Last season, Hooper had a borderline breakout year. He posted career highs with 71 catches, 660 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Hooper replaced Zach Ertz in the Pro Bowl.
As for Trufant, his 2018 season went the opposite direction. He had arguably his worst year yet in the NFL, highlighted by a couple of dropped interceptions. He only got an average 69.5 rating from Pro Football Focus. Trufant is not a bad corner though and he should have a bounce-back year, aided by the returns of starting safeties Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal.
