The Atlanta Falcons will kick off their 2022 preseason in one week against the Detroit Lions. Before that happens, the team has a few more days of practice and on Friday, the players put in another solid day of work.
In our latest Falcons recap, we look at the major takeaways from Friday’s practice, including injury updates, highlights and some possible free-agent options for Atlanta at defensive tackle.
1
Kyle Pitts catches the ball, drops it, then catches it again
The man can’t be stopped🦄 @kylepitts__ pic.twitter.com/DC8P2Ga1ut
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 5, 2022
Kyle Pitts’ rookie season was impressive, but the former No. 4 overall pick in last year’s draft looks poised to take his game to another level in Year 2. We’ll see if the team can better utilize Pitts in the red zone this season (one touchdown in 2021).
2
Jalen Mayfield out with lower back issue
Falcons LG Jalen Mayfield is having a lower back issue and that’s why he didn’t practice Friday. Arthur Smith said they are hoping it can calm down soon.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) August 5, 2022
Falcons offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield could be in danger of losing his starting job at left guard this season with Elijah Wilkinson getting the nod over him all week. However, Mayfield has apparently been suffering from a lower back injury that kept him out of practice on Friday, head coach Arthur Smith said.
3
DT Anthony Rush and RB Damien Williams return
Anthony Rush and Damien Williams back at Falcons practice today.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) August 5, 2022
Anthony Rush, who appears in line to start at nose tackle for the Falcons this season, returned to practice on Friday after missing Wednesday’s session. Running back Damien Williams was also back out there on Friday, per ESPN’s Michael Rothstein.
4
Feleipe Franks making plays at TE
Feleipe Franks just made two solid catches in DBs vs. receivers one-on-ones, and then finished the drill at QB. I believe this is the first day we’ve seen him throw a little bit.
Also, I feel the need to say he did so whilst wearing a guardian cap lol
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 5, 2022
Feleipe Franks at tight end might actually work out for the Falcons if the past few days are any indication. Franks has great size and speed, it just depends on other aspects of his game — like catching and blocking — that will determine his success or failure. It’s been an encouraging start for Franks, and he added another good day of practice on Friday, per team reporter Tori McElhaney.
5
Falcons secondary, including Mike Ford, standing out at practice
CB Mike Ford with great coverage on WR Frank Darby downfield. Richie Grant right there as well. #Falcons pic.twitter.com/YMRZubw5em
— Kevin Knight (@FalcoholicKevin) August 3, 2022
Falcons defensive back Mike Ford — along with the entire secondary as a whole — has received quite a bit of praise this week from the team’s various beat reporters. As you can see in Falcoholic reporter Kevin Knight’s video, Ford and second-year safety Richie Grant shut down WR Frank Darby in this Wednesday practice rep.
6
Friday highlights
Football Fridays 🏈
Let's get it! pic.twitter.com/uqp4z6hdwh
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 5, 2022
7
Arthur Smith mic’d up
🔊SOUND ON 🔊
HC Arthur Smith is about business, intensity and occasionally jokes 😏
📺: https://t.co/X8mLKkf8tj pic.twitter.com/TeZLnGwjVZ
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 5, 2022
8
Falcons free-agent DT options
Free Agency: Looking at some defensive tackle options for the Falcons following Vincent Taylor’s injury. https://t.co/tta5We3621
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) August 3, 2022
Atlanta lost Vincent Taylor for the season after he ruptured his Achilles in practice this week. We look at 11 potential free-agent options for the Falcons to sign as a replacement for Taylor.
9
Former Bulldog Travon Walker gets sack in NFL debut
No. 1 overall pick and former Dawg Travon Walker gets his first NFL sack pic.twitter.com/QeRbBfwx34
— UGA Football Live (@UGAfootballLive) August 5, 2022
Leading up to this year’s draft, Travon Walker was believed to be in play for the Falcons at pick No. 8, but Jacksonville honed in on the former Bulldog with the No. 1 overall pick, to the surprise of many. Last night, Walker had a few nice highlights in his NFL debut for the Jags, who lost to the Raiders in Thursday’s Hall of Fame game.
