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Minicamp gives coaches chance to start teaching
by D. Orlando Ledbetter; Staff , The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"In five practices, they are going to get a good percentage of what we do," Smith said. "It's a really good barometer in terms of how they are going to handle the differences adjusting from the college game to the NFL."
The Falcons will be near full strength.
Tight end Ben Hartsock, who made eight starts in the first 11 games last season, has been cleared to return to practice. Hartsock injured a toe in a 45-28 victory over Carolina on Nov. 23 and was placed on injured reserve. He initially had a cast around his foot that went to his kneecap.
"We anticipate that he will be able to go through the minicamp," Smith said. "We will have to wait and see how he handles back-to-back practices, but he's been cleared to go."
Reserve lineman Alex Stepanovich will not be available because he "had a procedure done on his back last week," Smith said.
Cornerback Von Hutchins, who suffered a broken foot in the first practice of training camp last July, will be limited.
"But we anticipate that he will be ready to go when we start our [organized training activities]," Smith said. "We are just being real careful in terms of putting him out there."
Safety Jamaal Fudge and cornerback Glenn Sharpe have been excused for personal reasons.
The Falcons will have two practices today and Saturday and one Sunday. Both sessions Saturday (10:30 a.m., 4:15 p.m.) are open to the public.
"We are hoping the weather is good on Saturday so that we can have a nice crowd and give everybody a chance to see our 2009 roster for the first time," Smith said.
Falcons minicamp
When: Today-Sunday
Where: Flowery Branch
Open to the public: Saturday,
10:30 a.m. (gates open at 9:30 a.m.) and 4:15 p.m. (gates open at 3:15 p.m.)
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