The growing trend around the league is for teams to rest starters as much as possible in the new three-game preseason. It appears the Atlanta Falcons will follow suit during Saturday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins as head coach Arthur Smith said he again plans to sit his starters.
Before coming to the conclusion on who will play and how much, Smith used the Falcons’ joint practice session with the Dolphins as a measuring stick. Despite an awful showing from quarterback AJ McCarron, he will get the start for Atlanta on Saturday evening over third-string QB Feleipe Franks.
#Falcons offense is over there struggling on the far away field. McCarron continuing to look god awful.
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) August 19, 2021
However, the starters will see some action in the preseason finale against the Browns, allowing the team’s veteran players to at least get some reps before the regular season begins.
“A lot of new guys, new faces,” said Falcons All-Pro defensive lineman Grady Jarrett. “We are just trying to see where guys can fit in.”
Additionally, rookie offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield will start at right tackle. Mayfield struggled a week ago and looks to rebound on Saturday night.
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