Atlanta Falcons: What to watch for in the regular season rehearsal

2. Will any of the other backup tackles step up their game and challenge Austin Pasztor

As alluded to earlier, the Falcons signed Austin Pasztor last weekend as veteran insurance at swing tackle. Pasztor has 43 career starts split between both guard spots and right tackle in his five year career.

That’s exactly 43 more starts than the other Falcon swing tackle candidates have combined.

Suffice it to say, the coaching staff was not comfortable rolling the dice with one of the inexperienced tackles they had in the building. The play from the group has been less than stellar, to say the least, through the first two preseason games.

Daniel Brunskill was the best of the bunch in the first game against the Dolphins, but struggled mightily versus the Steelers. The one to watch for on Saturday is the old head of the group, Kevin Graf.

Graf returned from injury last Sunday against Pittsburgh and did the most for his cause, showing the versatility to play both guard and tackle. With another nice outing or two, Graf could force the Falcons’ hand to carry nine offensive linemen.

3. Will Brian Hill receive some reps with the first team offense

The battle for the third running back position has been one of the more exciting ones of the offseason. As it stands now, Terron Ward has the upper hand over Brian Hill based on experience and on-field results.

However, Hill has had the misfortune of running behind the putrid second and third string offensive line of the Falcons.

With Devonta Freeman declared out with a concussion, this may be the game Hill works some with the first team. Keep a close eye on his performance on Saturday; it could be his chance to leap frog Ward on the depth chart.