Atlanta, GA - Coach Dan Quinn of the Atlanta Falcons announced that three players will be limited going into Thursday’s training camp.
Though there are no players designated as physically unable to perform, Quin stated that wide receivers Julio Jones and Taylor Gabriel, and rookie defensive end Takk McKinley will be limited.
McKinley, a top edge-rusher in the 2017 NFL Draft, has been recovering from a shoulder surgery that had an expected 6-month recovery period. Instead, the DE has been cleared to transition into camp.
"The good news is he had all these ops to go really put forth his best in the rehab," stated Quinn. "We'll make sure we take the transition to go: individual, then group work, maybe have the team reps, then full team reps. Good news is, great report from the docs. And he's ready to start playing."
Julio Jones underwent bunion surgery in March, where he faced a 4 -5 month recovery period. The injury resulted in Jones missing two games throughout the 2016 NFL season, causing the Falcons to be careful with the WR during the postseason. When asked about how Jones would be utilized during camp, Quin stated the following:
"We try to limit him just based on his past and follow that motto. It's been a good one in terms of his readiness to play. Some days, he gets more. Some days, he gets less. We want to make sure the reps for him are real meaningful ones -- reps he and Matt need to really connect on. So, we try to do that not only during the regular season, but here in camp, too.
Taylor Gabriel will be limited due to a calf injury, however, the details of his condition are not widely known.
The first training camp for the Falcons will be held at 8:30 AM on Thursday at the team’s complex in Flowery Branch, GA.