Atlanta Falcons: Three players that need to step it up

Jul 31, 2015; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Leonard Hankerson (85) runs past inside linebacker Joplo Bartu (59) on the field during training camp at Flowery Branch Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

It took what seemed forever for the Atlanta Falcons to get back out onto the field at Training camp, and just like that a week plus has already passed. The Falcons have already gone through eight team practices including a Friday Night Lights scrimmage this past Saturday at Buford high school. Several players have performed well while others have some work to do.

Injuries aside, the Falcons have looked pretty good through the first week of practicing. The team is just five days away from their first preseason game against Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans this Friday night at the Georgia Dome. But before the team can play, they will need to continue to work out the kinks and get players healthy.

Injured Falcons include Brooks Reed, Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman and Ryan Schraeder, but all four are expected to return sooner rather than later. No cause for concern should ensue just yet at the running back position, but may turn into a big problem very quickly if the top two backs are unable to return before the season starts in four weeks.

Several players have under-achieved thus far and will need a strong showing in the coming weeks in order to solidify their roster spot. Let’s take a look at a few guys fighting for their job.