New Falcons OL braces for first test
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — It’s no secret that the new starters on Atlanta’s offensive line, especially right tackle Lamar Holmes, will get a lot of attention from the Saints in Sunday’s opening game.
The new-look line must adjust to the departures of center Todd McClure, who retired, and right tackle Tyson Clabo, who was not re-signed. Holmes, who has played in only one game, was rushed into the starting unit when Mike Johnson dislocated his left ankle and broke his left leg this summer.
The Falcons have only two linemen in the same starting positions as last season, and that’s the sort of development that doesn’t slip past opposing teams.
“Of course we noticed that,” said New Orleans outside linebacker Junior Galette. “It’s on film. … Obviously they let Clabo go. That right side of the line, we want to do our best to take advantage of that line that we can, but who’s to say the next man up is not better than the guys that were out there before? We haven’t really seen so much of them. We’ve got to test it out, basically.”
Peter Konz, a part-time starter at right guard last season, has moved to center. The only starters at the same spots as last year are left tackle Sam Baker and left guard Justin Blalock.
Titans’ Stewart may not play
At Nashville, Titans right tackle David Stewart is questionable for Sunday’s season opener at Pittsburgh after missing a second straight practice with a sore right calf.
Coach Mike Munchak said Friday that Stewart felt better and looked pretty good taking part in the Titans’ walk-through session. Stewart broke his right leg Dec. 2, which ended his season.
Fullback Quinn Johnson is doubtful after missing a second straight practice with a quadriceps injury. The Titans could promote Collin Mooney from the practice squad before kickoff, or they could use a tight end. The Titans worked out fullbacks Michael Robinson and John Conner, but both left Friday without signing.
Will he or won’t he?
At East Rutherford, N.J., the New York Giants are going to make the Dallas Cowboys keep guessing about Jason Pierre-Paul’s playing status for the season opener. The Giants on Friday listed the playing-making defensive end as questionable for Sunday night’s game in Dallas, saying they needed a little more time to decide his status. Pierre-Paul had said earlier in the week that he would know by Friday whether his surgically repaired lower back would be sound enough for him to play.