FALCONS TRAINING CAMP: Robinson tweaks hamstring, misses practice

The biggest story through the first few days of Falcons training camp is the health of new cornerback Dunta Robinson. The 28-year-old came up lame with a slightly pulled hamstring yesterday and missed practice today.

“Dunta was out today because of a tight hamstring,” head coach Mike Smith said after practice Sunday. “We’re going to see how it feels tomorrow and see if he’s ready to go.”

The statements from Smith seemed to contradict the rumors surrounding the practice. Robinson did come out to join his teammates during the afternoon practice, but he didn’t participate in any drills or plays.

The former Texan was wearing a knee sleeve, which may have been precautionary, due to his ACL tear that kept him out of the last part of the 2008 season. He also tore his hamstring that year and this may be a reawakening of that injury.

At the start of practice the Falcons staff said that, “Dunta had been given the day off.” After he came out for the final half hour of drills, he was said to, “Not be participating in this practice,” by a member of the Falcons staff. Robinson was required not to comment after practice because he was not a participant.

Nothing will be known of this situation until Dunta comes out and practices tomorrow. If he does practice, then this may be just as coach Smith said, a “tight hamstring.” If he doesn’t practice, then speculation will abound about a more severe hamstring or knee injury.

One thing the Falcons can rely on, even when injuries occur, is the depth of the secondary. 5th round draft pick Dominique Franks turned in a stellar performance during a mini-scrimmage on Sunday.

He deflected two passes and almost came up with an interception on another. “He’s got his hands on a lot of balls and it’s been impressive,” said coach Smith. “I think he’s come a long way in terms of understanding our scheme.”

There is a healthy competition for the corner opposite Dunta Robinson and Franks is thriving on that. “Us younger guys are coming out these first few practices and learning the techniques and the details and the ins and outs,” Franks said.

The competition has the full attention of the head coach. “I think on the other side (of Dunta Robinson) it could be up to a five man race,” said Smith. “Dominique Franks has really shown well for himself in the first three days of training camp.”

The Falcons will practice in full pads at least once every day this week. This should prepare the team for its first preseason game against Kansas City on August 13.