Demorrio Williams is practicing full tilt at Falcons camp.
The weak-side linebacker is unbelievably already recovered from a torn pectorals muscle and set to be a full-time starter for the first time in his career. He is a strong bet to challenge for the team lead in tackles.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Williams going full speed to regain LB position
By CRAIG CUSTANCE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/27/07
Flowery Branch — The Falcons' coaching staff can tell linebacker Demorrio Williams to slow down all they want. Getting him to listen is another story.
In April, Williams tore a pectoral muscle while working out. Since then, the Falcons have drafted Stephen Nicholas and signed veteran Orlando Huff to add depth at weakside linebacker, where Williams started last season. Williams' availability and durability were concerns.
Not anymore.
Williams has beaten every projection for his return, and said he had no soreness in his shoulder or chest the morning after Thursday's first day of training camp.
Now he's working to earn his old spot back after spending most of Friday's morning practice working with the second team.
"Demorrio worked really hard at it, he spent all kinds of time to get back out on the field," said coach Bobby Petrino. "Our biggest challenge is to make sure we calm him down enough so that he doesn't try to do too much, too early. ... He actually hit somebody today, which he's not supposed to be able to do."
As long as he isn't feeling any pain from his off-season surgery, Williams plans to continue pushing the limit.
It was that attitude that helped him speed the recovery process, and he hopes it works in getting back with the first team.
"They want to slow me down so I don't hurt myself, but I have to let them know," Williams said. "Right now I'm running with the twos, and I want to be with my family. I have to keep pushing it so they know I'll be ready Game 1."
Blalock last rookie to begin practice
While the rest of the Falcons players were working through the first day of training camp Thursday, second-round pick Justin Blalock was doing anything to get his mind off of what he was missing.
Blalock was the last of the Falcons' draft picks to sign, and the only one to miss the first day of practice. Instead he spent the day pacing around the house, running errands, and cleaning.
On Friday, after signing a five-year deal, he made his training-camp debut.
"I was really anxious to get out here, see what it's like to get the pads on," Blalock said. "I had a good time today, a lot of fun. There was a lot of learning going on. It was a productive day."
Blalock said he got a hard time from teammates because his absence, along with an undisclosed foot injury by fellow guard Toniu Fonoti, meant his teammates on the offensive line had extra work. They didn't hold a grudge for too long.
"It wasn't too bad. Most of the guys understand what I'm going through," Blalock said. "There were some jokes, but we got that out of the way, and that's in the past."
Finneran on-site for light workouts
Wide receiver Brian Finneran was spotted walking around the facilities before the 9 a.m. session. Despite reconstructive knee surgery in June that could jeopardize his career, the veteran wideout walked without a limp. June's surgery was the second on his left knee in the past two years.
He's not taking part in team activities but has resumed light workouts.
Finneran was placed on injured reserve, meaning he is out for the season.
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