Three others to miss exhibition fifi na le

Running back Brian Hill (ankle), tackle Kevin Graf (ankle) and linebacker La Roy Reynolds (chest) suffered injuries in the 24-14 exhibition loss to the Cardinals on Saturday, according to Quinn, and will not play when the Falcons host the Jaguars in the exhibition fifinale.

Reynolds, a reserve and special teams player, started all three preseason games at weakside linebacker. Hill, a fififth- round pick from Wyoming, is battling for the third running back spot. Graf is trying to earn the backup swing tackle spot.

“We’ll see how much progress they can make,” Quinn said of Hill and Graf. “We’ll see where they are in a week’s time.”

Reynolds’ injury sounded more serious. “He’s going to get another opinion on that injury this week,” Quinn said.

Rookie corner back Damontae Kazee, who suffered an ankle injury the previous weekend against the Steelers, will not practice today and Quinn is considering holding him out of the Jaguars game, too.

The injury timing is unfortunate for Hill, who appears to be behind Terron Ward for the third running back spot. “Brian, for sure, would have gotten extended carries again ( against Jacksonville),” Quinn said. “We tried to feature him in eachof the games to see what he can do.”

That Ward is playing better is no surprise to Quinn.

“It’s Terron Ward’s third year in the system,” Quinn said. “That’s over 30-something games for him watching and practicing and getting the looks at it. Brian is still gaining experience in it. For him to miss aweek, this week, all of it counts, especiallywhen you’re first learning.”

The Falcons are high on Hill, but he’s off to a slow start running the ball. He’s rushed 26 times for 41 yards, a paltry 1.6 yards per carry. Ward has rushed 30 times for 113 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and two touchdowns.

Hill is improving on special teams, Quinn said. “We are going to keep working like crazy on offense,” Quinn said.