Atlanta Falcons center Joe Hawley, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament in his right knee last season, told ESPN.com he will continue his rehab as the team returns to the field for voluntary minicamp Tuesday.
Hawley remains confident about returning to full speed by training camp in late July. He suffered the injury last Sept. 28 at Minnesota.
Hawley started the first four games at center last season before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Hawley is confident about being back at full strength by training camp.
James Stone, who started in place of Hawley last season, is likely to replace him for any drill work involving the entire offensive line.
Hawley isn't the only offensive lineman on the mend. Left tackle Jake Matthews had surgery to repair a Lisfranc ligament in his foot back on Jan. 5, and the recovery is a four-month process. Tackles Sam Baker (knee) and Lamar Holmes (toe) and center/guard Peter Konz (ACL) also are coming off surgeries.
The Falcons met and watched film on Monday, but begin on-field work Tuesday afternoon. They conclude the minicamp Wednesday.
Some other players coming off major surgeries include safety William Moore (shoulder), cornerback Robert Alford (wrist), running back Antone Smith (broken leg), linebacker Marquis Spruill (ACL) and outside linebacker Tyler Starr (shoulder). Defensive back Dezmen Southward also had wrist surgery.
