The Atlanta Falcons began the offseason workout program on Monday, and coach Dan Quinn will address the media Thursday for the first time since having his team together.
After the open workout session, Quinn is likely to provide some sort of update of the players recovering from injuries. A number of key players are coming off major surgeries in preparation for the 2015 season.
Left tackle Jake Matthews had surgery to repair a Lisfranc ligament tear in his foot, while fellow offensive linemen Joe Hawley and Peter Konz both are recovering from ACL tears. Tackles Sam Baker (knee) and Lamar Holmes (toe) had season-ending surgeries. Running back Antone Smith still hasn't been fully cleared to run after breaking his leg.
On defense, starting strong safety William Moore had a significant shoulder surgery but said he expects to be fully ready by training camp. Cornerback Robert Alford is on the mend from a season-ending broken wrist while Dezmen Southward, a free safety who appears destined to be converted to cornerback, also had a procedure involving his wrist. Linebackers Prince Shembo (knees) and Tyler Starr (shoulder) also are trying to get back to 100 percent.
Quinn talked in general terms about the health of his team going into the offseason program.
"It's been an important offseason for these guys who have had those surgeries," Quinn said. "It was such a tough season for some of these guys to have to go through, especially a position like offensive line where there are a number of guys that were banged up.
"The offseason for these guys has been great. All of them are working as hard as they can and are going to be back here in some phase of the offseason."
Quinn was asked specifically if Matthews and Hawley, two starters on the offensive line at the beginning of the 2014 regular season, would be ready this offseason.
"To a certain degree, everybody's going to be ready for some part of it," Quinn said. "Those guys have been (at the facility) and have worked extremely hard. It's been good just kind of going in and seeing their progress even in my short time there."
