Running back Carlos Washington Jr. trusting himself more in second training camp

The former undrafted free agent is taking Falcons running backs coach Michael Pitre's advice to heart in 2024.

Aug 10, 2024 at 01:14 PM

Terrin Waack

Falcons Digital Team Reporter

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The situation may be similar. The man, however, seems different.

Running back Carlos Washington Jr. is amid his second consecutive Atlanta Falcons training camp, trying to earn a 53-man roster spot at the end of the month. He failed to do so in 2023, ultimately landing on the practice squad. But things have changed in the past year. Washington, no longer a rookie, has matured.

"I feel like last preseason I left some meat on the bone," Washington said. "So, (I'm) just going into it with an open mind, trusting myself and trusting my craft. And (I'm) going to leave it all out there, and don't question myself this time."

That's all his position coach, Michael Pitre, has asked of him. It was difficult for the undrafted free agent to achieve that mindset last year because he put so much pressure on himself. The need to prove he can compete at the NFL level controlled his thoughts and emotions.

Now, the message has been received. Its translation is in the works.

"It's just football," Pitre said. "I think he's starting to realize he deserves to be here, he's worked his butt off to be here. Now, just go relax and play football."

He's doing his best.

Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. #28 scores a touchdown during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Washington has been earning a substantial amount of practice reps this preseason, both with the first- and second-team offensive units. It was no surprise that trend continued into Friday's exhibition game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.

As a starter, Washington had by far the most rushing attempts for the Falcons. He carried the ball 16 times for 25 yards and even scored Atlanta's sole touchdown with a 1-yard push. Only rookie Jase McClellan had more yards rushing (30) with fewer carries (nine).

The Falcons lost their preseason debut, falling 20-13 to the Dolphins, so Washington was bound to be even more critical of his performance in the fallout. Just because his internal pressure has alleviated doesn't mean it has been fully eliminated. He is still a competitor at heart.

"I'm a little hard on myself," Washington said. "I would want to perform a little better. I felt like I showed a little flash, but overall, I need better from myself."

Two preseason games remain – Aug. 17 on the road against the Baltimore Ravens, then a home matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 23. Last year, Washington played in all three exhibition games. He'll likely do the same again.

The Falcons already have their No. 1 and 2 running backs in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, respectively. Head coach Raheem Morris made that very clear. But Washington's path to the roster isn't as simple as being the third-best option. Instead, it's more about proving he can fit a certain role. It's the same for McClellan.

"Carlos gives a little bit of juice," Morris said. "Carlos gives a little bit of something else out the backfield. He gives us Bijan-like qualities. And then you got Jace, who gives you Tyler-like qualities. You find those, we used to call them clones back in the day with Julio (Jones), but all of these type of clones that kind of go with your starters and they kind of mimic those things. You never have the drastic fall off when a guy's missing a rep or two."

It's a different way to look at depth, and Morris is using that approach all around.

Whatever the case, an opportunity is an opportunity. Washington doesn't want to waste a single one.

"I know that as I continue to put my best foot forward," Washington said, "I'm going to try to make it undeniable."

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Atlanta Falcons safety Dane Cruikshank #31 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone #51 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive back DeMarcco Hellams #23 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. #33 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Bralen Trice #48 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Kentavius Street #93 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. #28 scores a touchdown during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin King #32 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons punter Ryan Sanborn #37 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Blair #19 catches a pass from Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Zion Logue #59 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Tre Tarpley III #38 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Kyle Hinton #68 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jayden Price #36 looks to tackle a Miami quarterback during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 lines up for a play during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Jovaughn Gwyn #56 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Storm Norton #77 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Andrew Stueber #74 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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The Atlanta Falcons defense makes a stop during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end John FitzPatrick #87 lines up for a play during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons safety Micah Abernathy #29 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke #4 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker JD Bertrand #40 stares down the offense during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Casey Washington #82 makes a one-handed catch during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons lineman during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Andrew Stueber #74 lines up before a play during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Harrison Hand #37 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Dylan Drummond #15 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Tommy Togiai #62 celebrates after making a tackle during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 makes a tackle during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Bradlee Anae #47 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Demone Harris #91 runs down an offensive lineman during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end John FitzPatrick #87 lines up before a play during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Nathan Rourke #16 before a snap during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Donavan Mutin #45 reacts after a play during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons long snapper Liam McCullough #49 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. #28 runs with the ball during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Stogner #88 runs during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins #18 is interviewed during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Donavan Mutin #45 celebrates after a play during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Trey Vaval #42 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons cornerback Natrone Brooks #35 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Donavan Mutin #45 reacts after during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons running back Carlos Washington Jr. #28 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive Prince Emili #71 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus #54 extends to make a tackle during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Donavan Mutin #45 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons players huddle during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Milo Eifler #52 makes a tackle during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Barry Wesley #69 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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XXXX on the sideline during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Eddie Goldman #99 during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Nathan Rourke #16 runs with the ball during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver OJ Hiliare #11 dives for a catch in the end zone during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Nathan Rourke #16 breaks through the defense on a run during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker Milo Eifler #52 celebrates making a tackle during the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and Mike McDaniels after the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris after the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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XXXXX after the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 and Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Kehinde Oginni #72 after the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 and Calais Campbell after the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)

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Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus #54 after the Preseason Game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Friday, August 9, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)

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Running back Carlos Washington Jr. trusting himself more in second training camp

The former undrafted free agent is taking Falcons running backs coach Michael Pitre's advice to heart in 2024.

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