Falcons plan to play rookies in preseason opener vs. Detroit Lions
Head coach Raheem Morris spoke with reporters on Wednesday morning and confirmed that the rookies will play on Friday night, including first-round pick Jalon Walker and third-round pick Xavier Watts. Walker and Watts have missed time over the last week but Morris said both players are good to go for the preseason.
The team's other first-round pick, James Pearce Jr., will also make his preseason debut. The former Tennessee Volunteer has been one of Atlanta's biggest training camp standouts over the last few weeks. Pearce's feisty attitude has helped give the defense an edge.
While fans are excited to see Walker, Pearce and Watts, Friday's preseason opener is a chance for fourth-round pick Billy Bowman and seventh-round pick Jack Nelson to make their mark. Bowman has received some run with the first-team defense and is competing for the team's nickel corner position.
Nelson is a developmental offensive lineman with good upside. It will be interesting to watch how these rookies perform in actual game action. Friday's game kicks off at 7 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Rookies to play in preseason game vs Detroit Lions
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