With several starting positions up for grabs with the Atlanta Falcons, the preseason is important to dictate who will get the nod come Week 1. With free agents and rookies all coming in to fight for a spot, Week 2 of the preseason is critical for certain players. The offense has plenty of position battles taking place as a third receiver is needed along with a starting running back.
According to Vaughn McClure of ESPN, Leonard Hankerson is rising in camp and could beat out Justin Hardy for the spot left open by the departure of Harry Douglas. Hankerson signed on as a free agent in the summer while Hardy was considered a steal in the draft. Both players have exceled so far in training camp while Julio Jones and Roddy White appear to be favoring the veteran over the rookie.
One player struggling to find his role in the new offense for the Falcons is Devin Hester who enjoyed more time as a wide receiver last season, but is uncertain if that will continue with the new coaching staff. Considered the best return man in the league, Hester wants to play more receiver in 2015 but has yet to be given a defined role for the Falcons this offseason.
"This is my third position at receiver,'' Hester said, via The Associated Press. ''I've never played the X (spot on the outside of the formation). This year I'm playing the X. Three different positions in my course in the league. This is a new position now, playing the X, so I'm getting used to it.''
A big question for the Falcons is the team's run game. They have lost four players to injuries so far this training camp. Antone Smith went down during last week's preseason game. Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are considered game time decisions. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the Falcons are not signing a free agent for help, but remain uncertain about who will be the team's starter since both Freeman and Coleman have missed time. Head coach Dan Quinn is anxious for the team to get on the field.
"We're going to take them all the way up through that tomorrow," Quinn said, via ESPN.com. "They both participated some today, then we'll kind of take them through tomorrow. I like where they're at."
The Falcons looked strong with their starters last week against the Tennessee Titans. The first drive was capped off by a Julio Jones touchdown. According to Matt Ryan, that will only continue, but the team has some issues to iron out first.