The Atlanta Falcons will play their first preseason game of the year when they take on the Miami Dolphins this Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. ET. Now that the team has released its first depth chart, which players should we expect to see on Friday?
Falcons head coach Arthur Smith provided an answer following Wednesday’s joint practice with the Dolphins. Smith said his starters will in fact play, but he wouldn’t say for how long, per team reporter Tori McElhaney.
“Our (first-team) guys will play in the preseason, but how much or how little will depend.” -Arthur Smith on the plan for the would-be starters in preseason games
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 9, 2023
Atlanta’s young players could use the experience, especially quarterback Desmond Ridder. The former third-round pick has just four starts under his belt, but he looked good during the team’s two joint practices in Miami.
Other young starters, including 2022 second-round picks Troy Andersen and Arnold Ebiketie, would also benefit from a little extra playing time in the preseason. We’ll see just how much Smith opts to play his starters on Friday night.
Watch Smith’s full post-practice press conference below, as shared by the team’s YouTube channel.