Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said that the team "continues to be very close" on a new contract extension for star receiver Julio Jones on Thursday night.
Speaking to Justin Kutcher and Coy Wire during Atlanta CW's television broadcast of the Falcons-Jaguars game, Dimitroff said that he's confident that the Falcons and Jones are going to get a deal done "in the relatively near future."
"Obviously Julio is a special player for us and, of course, we'd like to have it done as soon as possible," Dimitroff said.
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On the hot topic of the Falcons' kicking situation, Dimitroff said that the Falcons had been planning to bring in Matt Bryant but "weren't sure when it was going to happen."
"We planned on it last week, to get him in here and work him out," Dimitroff said. "I know some people didn't think that he should have to work out, but the reality is – and we have a great deal of respect (for him) – but we need to see where he is, you know what type of shape he's in right now."
Bryant, 44, parted ways with the team during the offseason. He had signed with the Falcons prior to the 2009 season and left Atlanta as the leading scorer in franchise history with 1,122 points. His 158 points in 2016 is a Falcons single-season record.
"We're excited to see him move the ball (Friday) afternoon," Dimitroff said. "Just really excited to see him kick the ball."
The reason why the Falcons are bringing Bryant in for a tryout and signed Blair Walsh on Saturday is because of Giorgio Tavecchio’s recent struggles. Despite a perfect showing while filling in for Bryant during the 2018 season – he was 5-for-5 on field goals attempts and 8-for-8 on extra points – Tavecchio has struggled this preseason.
On Thursday night against the Jaguars, Tavecchio was 3-for-3 on extra-point attempts, but missed his lone field goal attempt, a 53-yarder in the second quarter. The miss was Tavecchio's third-straight, and his fourth in his last five attempts.
Rookie draft picks catch Dimitroff's attention
Running back Qadree Ollison had a big night, running for 51 yards on 14 carries, including a 9-yard touchdown run. Dimitroff said he's liked what he's seen from the rookie out of Pittsburgh.
"He's had a really interesting preseason," Dimitroff said. "We really like how he's evolved very quickly. He's gained more and more confidence. Again, I can't say enough how important it is to have a 6-1, 230-pound guy in the mix. It's really important. I think he can continue to bang. He has the versatility to play fullback as well."
First-round pick Kaleb McGary also had a big night, making his first appearance in a Falcons uniform after being cleared to play since undergoing a cardiac ablation procedure in training camp. McGary made a number of key blocks and didn't give up any sacks while in the game.
"I'm so excited for him to get back on the field this week," Dimitroff said of McGary. "He was excited. It was tough for him, right, the way everything went down. He looked like he was moving well, pulling well, he was throwing his body around I think we have a good assessment on him so far."
McGary was selected with the 31st-overall pick in this year's draft and was primarily working with the second-team unit prior to undergoing surgery. The 6-foot-6, 306-pound rookie is certainly back in the mix now for the starting right tackle.
Ty Sambrailo was the starting right tackle for the first three preseason games. A shoulder injury sidelined him against the Washington Redskins. Second-year player Matt Gono got the start at right tackle In Sambrailo's absence and played well.
Photos from the field as the Atlanta Falcons face the Jacksonville Jaguars in the preseason finale.
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63 and offensive tackle Kaleb McGary #76 before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank waves before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Kemal Ishmael #36 gestures before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn looks on before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warm up before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 smiles and laughs before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn looks on before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players take the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Chris Odom #91 with his eyes closed before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub #8 during the National Anthem before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #79 before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #32 rushes for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Giorgio Tavecchio #4 kicks an extra point during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Parker Baldwin #43 in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 in action during the first quarter of the game against the against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Danny Etling #1 in action during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #46 rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #46 celebrates with running back Brian Hill #23 after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #46 celebrates with wide receiver C.J. Worton #7 after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver C.J. Worton #7 in action during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #46 carries during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #32 in action during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Austin Larkin #62 in action during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 scores a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 celebrates with quarterback Danny Etling #1 after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 celebrates with wide receiver Devin Gray #15 after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 reacts and gestures after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #32 rushes for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #46 in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Durrant Miles #48 in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Danny Etling #1 carries the ball during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley #98 reacts from the sideline during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Danny Etling #1 in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Ryan Neal #40 breaks up a pass during the first half of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Parker Baldwin #43 in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Jayson Stanley #23 defends Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Michael Walker #13 during the first quarter of the game at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Danny Etling #1 in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Matt Stamey/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tre' Crawford #49 sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew #15 during the game at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars line up on the line of scrimmage during the game at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Bruce Carter #55 looks on during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tony Brooks-James #46 in action during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Danny Etling #1 during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tre' Crawford #49 sacks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew #15 during the game at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tre' Crawford #49 celebrates with defensive tackle Deadrin Senat #94 after a sack during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida, on Thursday August 29, 2019. (Photo by Adler Garfield/Atlanta Falcons)
