Falcons training camp Day 7 news, standouts, interviews, injuries

Key Points:

• The Falcons held their second padded practice with full-contact tackling, resulting in a more energetic and evenly matched session between offense and defense, highlighting improvements especially in the offensive line and run game.
• Veteran kicker Nick Folk excelled, going 7-for-7 on field goals including a 51-yard kick despite a botched hold, showcasing strong chemistry with new holder Jake Bailey.
• Quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. showed significant progress, with Tua having his best practice yet and Penix nearing full health and demonstrating efficient passing, while Cooper Rush outperformed Jack Strand on the depth chart.
• Rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch continues to impress and gain trust from veterans despite minor setbacks, and running back Bijan Robinson, recently extended, expressed satisfaction with his contract and perspective gained from time sidelined.
• On defense, cornerbacks Avieon Terrell and Mike Hughes stood out, linebackers like Channing Tindall and Harold Perkins Jr. were active in tackling, and the pass rush remained effective despite injuries, indicating depth and adaptability in the defensive unit.