The Atlanta Falcons began mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, and the team will continue these light practices over the next two days. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith addressed the media prior to the start of Tuesday’s practice.
From Kyle Pitts’ injury status to the seven tryout players, here are six takeaways from Smith’s pre-minicamp press conference.
1
Seven players are trying out
Falcons tryout players:
CB Bless Austin
WR Chris Blair
OL D'Marcus Hayes
DL Albert Huggins
TE Michael Jacobson (former hoops at Iowa State)
DL Caeveon Patton
K Matthew Trickett— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) June 13, 2023
The Falcons will try out seven players, including Minnesota kicker Matthew Trickett and former XFL wide receiver Chris Blair. Two defensive linemen — Caeveon Patton and Albert Huggins — along with offensive lineman D’Marcus Hayes, tight end Michael Jacobson and defensive back Bless Austin round out the team’s seven tryout players.
2
Injury updates
Arthur Smith said there are four players who won't be practicing for minicamp this week: Avery Williams, Kyle Pitts, Caleb Huntley and Eddie Goldman.
The Falcons will also have seven tryout guys this week, including a few XFL guys.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) June 13, 2023
The Falcons are still awaiting the return of a few key players, including tight end Kyle Pitts, running back Caleb Huntley and defensive tackle Eddie Goldman. Per team reporter Tori McElhaney, Smith ruled out all three players from this week’s minicamp practices. Pitts is still on track to return for the start of the season, but the team is being cautious with the former No. 4 overall pick. Avery Williams has already been ruled out for the year due to a non-contract injury he suffered during OTAs.
3
Smith on plans for Cordarrelle Patterson
A bit on how the Falcons might use Cordarrelle Patterson this year. pic.twitter.com/Wto5dAWSJH
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) June 13, 2023
Smith knows the Falcons have a crowded running back room, but he sees it as a positive to have so many versatile players. Despite Cordarrelle Patterson’s age, he’s still capable of making plays as a running back, wide receiver and kick/punt returner.
4
Smith likes depth on defense
Arthur Smith said he's *knock on wood* really pleased with the depth the Falcons have developed this offseason on defense. They've pumped a lot of resources and money into that side of the ball, he said, and you can feel it even in OTAs.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) June 13, 2023
The Falcons added a ton of players to their defensive line, without losing any key contributors. Basically, the team added David Onyemata, Calais Campbell, Joe Gaziano, Zach Harrison (rookie), Eddie Goldman (un-retired) and Bud Dupree. Not only did the Falcons upgrade their talent level, they added several veteran leaders. Smith rightfully likes the team’s depth on defense.
5
DL Ta'Quon Graham returns
Falcons DL Ta'Quon Graham said he tore his left MCL "all the way" when he was injured against Chicago last season.
Tuesday was his first full practice back.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) June 13, 2023
Ta’Quon Graham has been a key part of Atlanta’s defensive line rotation over the last two seasons, but his 2022 campaign was cut short due to a torn MCL. Per ESPN’s Michael Rothstein, Graham tore his left MCL “all the way” during the team’s Week 11 win over the Bears. Graham has recovered nicely, however, and made his return to practice on Tuesday.
6
Smith happy to have David Onyemata in ATL
"He was a pain in the ass to game plan against." Arthur Smith on David Onyemata
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) June 13, 2023
Onyemata was one of two former Saints players who signed with the Falcons at the start of free agency. The 30-year-old defensive tackle followed defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to Atlanta, where he received a three-year, $35 million contract to play next to Grady Jarrett. Smith said game-planning against Onyemata was a “pain in the ass,” but he won’t have to worry about that anymore.
7
Watch: Arthur Smith's full press conference
Arthur Smith talks with media ahead of mandatory minicamp https://t.co/ATt6E2tvNb
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) June 13, 2023
