The Falcons plan to conduct joint practices with the Miami Dolphins before playing them in the preseason. These sessions will occur on Aug. 8 and 9, before the scheduled contest on Aug. 11 at Hard Rock Stadium.
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The news was first reported by NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.
Joint practices have been a regular occurrence during the Arthur Smith era. The Falcons held practices like this against Miami in 2021 and twice in 2022, traveling to meet the New York Jets while hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars for preseason practices.
There's great value in facing off against another team, especially when the sessions are conducted well and free of post-play skirmishes. They offer quality work at a high intensity while lessening the injury risk associated with actual game play.
The Falcons learned a ton about their 2021 team when they locked horns with the Dolphins at their state-of-the-art training complex. There's confidence the team can do so again in 2023, brining a far better roster down to Miami Gardens, Fla. Jessie Bates III, Calais Campbell and No. 8 overall pick Bijan Robinson are now lighting the marquee. A.J. Terrell and Jeff Okudah will have their hands full with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, two of the most dynamic receivers in the league.
The Dolphins are first up on the Falcons' preseason slate, with the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers following after that.
Take a look at the 2023 Atlanta Falcons in action during OTA practice.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Logan Woodside #11 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Slade Bolden #89 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Kyle Hinton #68 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Austin Aune #14 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone #51 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Joe Gaziano #99 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zay Malone #82 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Bud Dupree #48 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Lukas Denis #41 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman LaCale London #72 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mack Hollins #18 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Cliff Chattman #39 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back DeMarcco Hellams #37 and defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Scott Miller #16 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford #20 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Keilahn Harris #86 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford and offensive lineman Tyler Vrabel #73 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mack Hollins #18 during OTA practice at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
