Rookie William Middleton “tweaked” a hamstring in Wednesday’s OTA workout, according to Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith.
Middleton was selected in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Furman. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound cornerback played at Marist High School in Atlanta and recorded 95 tackles, five sacks, four interceptions and nine pass breakups as a college senior.
Smith said Middleton pulled the hamstring in pass coverage drills.
“William has done very well,” Smith said. “We’ve been cross-training (him). He’s been playing a number of positions, not just the corner position. Today he tweaked his hamstring. Hopefully that’s something that’s not going to set him back for long.”
In other OTA news…
… Tight end Tony Gonzalez worked out with the team on Wednesday, catching passes and getting some work in the new offense in front of the media.
“I thought Tony had a good practice,” Smith said. “I thought he made a couple of really nice catches. Like all of our guys, he work extremely hard. The next three weeks are going to be crucial to setting the foundation as we head into training camp.”
… The Falcons will practice again Thursday before wrapping a second week of organized team activities.
… A handful of players were absent from Wednesday’s workout but, like last week, Smith said all were accounted for and made contact with the coaching staff.
… The team changed the pace and order of Wednesday’s practice. Smith said the workout was similar to a training camp practice to acclimate rookies and first-year players.
… Like mini camp, cornerback Brent Grimes got some time with the first team on Wednesday. More to come on Grimes and his third year with the team on Thursday but, first, a word from the head coach:
“He’s a more confident player,” Smith said. “Brent, without a doubt, is the most athletic player on our team. He has got a lot more confidence this season knowing the system and having been around Brian (Van Gorder), Emmitt (Thomas) and the defensive coaching staff.”
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19 Comments
Im not sure bout Brent Grimes on the first team
me neither. he is good just too short, can’t teach hight.
Valid points, but Grimes has starting experience and, if not for an injury last year, who knows how the Domonique Foxworth situation would have worked out. I can say from first-hand views that Grimes is extremely athletic. For that reason he may be the most adept to straight-up man coverage. Then again, competition at that spot is going to ensure the team has the best man for the job opposite Chris Houston.
At the beginning of last year, when he was pressed into service with the starters (pre-Foxworth), he looked amazing. He was easily the best we had in man-to-man, but his height was an issue on at least one touchdown. It might even out, because it seems like he was always getting a hand on the ball in defending passes.
–AOB
Middleton has talent………..and smarts. I hope his injury is very mild. He is small in stature but is a rabid competitor. I’d love to see him make the team.
he has good coverage but his height is mesing him up from being a standout guy. look back at that carolina game in carolina when mushin was catching the ball all over him>@jmike
hey Jmike… Why arent both corner spots open… it didnt look like Chris Houston was way more sucessfull than the other corners… and what about Chevis Jackson… i thought he would be the best option at the other corner position…. your thoughts?
It’s all an open competition. For the sake of clarifying things, it’s easier to look at one side right now. Jackson looked good in mini camp. I’m going to try to talk to Brian Van Gorder today to get a feel for who’s rising to the top. But, the rule of thumb, is that this team is going to throw a ton of guys in the mix and see who gets the job done the best.
christopher owens is our best shot at cornerback
@Ed Martinez
grimes over houston/owens at the corner
@bigwill
WHY NOT GO AFTER A VETERAN FREE AGENT CORNER LIKE LAW, SURTAIN, OR MCcallister?
I agree, Chris Houston is a decent nickel back but he gives up too many penalties. He rarely gets his head around to compete for passes. Brent Grimes isn’t much taller than him anyway. But with that being said, I think Brent is a better all around corner he just misses too many tackles in run-support. And I’ll still take him at the #2 corner spot.
And why not Chris McCalister starting for the falcons? No personality/character issues, a saint off the field, and a much needed leader on the defense
Okay, JMike, so we’ve got Chris Houston, Chevis Jackson, Christopher Owens, Brent Grimes, and Will Middleton at corner. Do you really think Chris Houston is reallystarter material?? We do have some cap room, but I doubt we go and acquire a vet at CB considering we have so many already. I’m thinking Chevis Jackson starts at one spot, and Grimes at the other. Also, do you think any of these CB’s could potentially start at safety(not now, but in 1 or 2 seasons)alongside Will Moore?
falcons r scum we hate u im philly fan aww yeah
ur rubbish and u no u r ur rubbish and u no u r philly 4ever
Chris Houston is starting material. He’s done it for two years. I still think there’s open competition at both spots though as the team finds the best option. Both of the corners drafted don’t really have prototypical safety size. I think you’re forgetting about Erik Coleman (still young) and Thomas DeCoud (can play both safety spots). There’s other options to play alongside Moore if he gets the starting job at strong safety.
Not liking Grimes as a starter maybe KR/PR but he was victimized by bigger receivers WAY too much and I highly doubt that will change this season, I thought that was why we drafted at the position.