Falcons training camp 2017: 4 things we learned from Day 8

The Falcons had their only afternoon practice of training camp on Friday, and Sunday is the last day of open training camp practices. Sunday is also the day that the team will honor veterans and active duty service members at Military Day.

In the recent past, this practice has been held at a local high school and called “Friday Night Lights.” The team opted to have the practice at the facility in Flowery Branch this year instead.

Quinn said he appreciated all of the fan support.

We’re just a few days away from the team’s first preseason contest. The Falcons will face the Miami Dolphins on Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. At that point, we’ll have a better idea of how the pass rush looks and how the offense is clicking.

We’ll also be able to assess some of the position battles a little more effectively when we see players going up against actual opponents.

Here are four things we learned from Day 8.

1. Grady Jarrett can play receiver.

What can’t this guy do?

2. Tevin Coleman was excused.

Coleman wasn’t at practice, but don’t worry. Quinn said he was excused for personal reasons, according to ESPN’s Vaughn McClure. He should be back when the Falcons return to the practice field on Sunday.

3. Julio Jones and Taylor Gabriel are still limited.

Jones and Gabriel are able to participate, but neither is participating fully. Keanu Neal has a strain, according to Quinn, and didn’t participate in full team drills.

4. Takk McKinley and Jake Matthews got into it.

There was a little pushing and shoving between Takk McKinley and Jake Matthews.

McKinley, by his own account, didn’t have the best practice.

He’ll have a chance to get better on Sunday.