Coaching staff sharpens ax

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/29/05

Flowery Branch — Falcons coach Jim Mora said he is "tired of the preseason," but stressed the importance of Thursday's fifth and final exhibition at Miami because there are a few players who still could earn jobs.

"I have respect for some of the young guys trying to make this team, but I think our players are anxious to get going on the season," said Mora, whose team is 3-1. "It's been a long preseason."


NFL teams have to trim their rosters to 65 by Tuesday afternoon — Atlanta has 81 players now — then reduce that figure to the final 53 by Saturday afternoon. Backup spots in the secondary, defensive end and wide receiver are the most contested, with the ability to play special teams most likely a deciding factor.

DeAndra Cobb, a running back/kickoff returner, and defensive lineman Darrell Shropshire appear to be the only draft picks on the bubble, although they could be retained on the practice squad.

Mora said he wishes he could evaluate defensive tackle Brandon Mitchell, a veteran free agent, but a back injury suffered early in minicamp likely will prevent him from playing in the preseason finale. Mitchell's inability to play this preseason has enabled Antwan Lake and rookie Jonathan Babineaux to win jobs at backup defensive tackle.

Free agent rookie linebacker Antoine Cash, from Southern Mississippi, appears close to landing a roster spot since backup rookie middle linebacker Jordan Beck is expected to miss the season after breaking his foot in Thursday's 23-7 victory over Jacksonville.

Smith to debut against Dolphins

Defensive end Brady Smith will make his exhibition debut Thursday against the Dolphins after missing the previous four exhibitions while rehabilitating from pre-training camp neck surgery. Smith isn't expected to play more than a few series.

Brooking, Weiner return to practice

Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Brooking (quadricep) and starting offensive tackle Todd Weiner (back) returned to practice Sunday after missing the game with the Jaguars. Both will play, albeit sparingly against the Dolphins. Cornerback Jason Webster (hamstring) also returned to practice.

Wide receiver Peerless Price (concussion), safety Bryan Scott (bruised hip), wide receiver Dez White (sprained knee), cornerback Kevin Mathis (hamstring), guard Mookie Moore (shoulder), defensive end Erik Flowers and guard Steve Herndon (not disclosed) did not practice.

Rookie White likely to play in opener

Rookie wide receiver Roddy White, who has missed the past two games with a high ankle sprain, lightly ran through some passing drills, but he is not expected to play against the Dolphins. If he continues to progress, Mora said he would play him in the regular-season opener against Philadelphia on offense and special teams.