FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Falcons knew they were getting a solid player when they drafted defensive tackle Trey Lewis in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft.
They didn't know they'd be getting so much versatility.
With the recent release of Grady Jackson, Lewis is expected to get his first NFL start Sunday when the Falcons welcome the San Francisco 49ers to the Georgia Dome. It's a far cry from Lewis' last start at Division II Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.
Lewis, who has 17 tackles (12 solo), a pass defensed and an interception this season, tells fans to look for continuous effort when he lines up at nose tackle or defensive tackle for the Falcons. He's played both positions since making the team out of training camp.
"It's amazing. Getting drafted was a big deal to me," he said. "It's been a real exciting rookie season. My technique still needs a lot of work. All I can say right now is I'm going to try hard."
His size (6-3, 320 pounds) allows him to play both defensive tackle spots, but he'll likely work more at nose tackle as the team moves into the second half of the 2007 season. Called to lock up one-on-one with the middle of an opponents' offensive line, Lewis may not get his name called very often.
That's fine with him.
"You don't necessarily not make plays," Lewis said. "Of course they want you to make plays. At the same time you can't sacrifice your gap to make a play because, if you don't make that play, it's going to be a huge gain. In a sense, yeah, you have to play your man and play your gap and control the center... If you can get off and make a play at the same time, great. It's definitely a little bit more different than the (other tackle spot) where you have a little bit more freedom to get off the block and try to go make a play."
Linebacker Michael Boley is confident with Lewis' ability.
"He's shown a lot of good things," Boley said. "Coming in as a rookie, he's accepting his responsibility now. With us releasing Grady, there's going to be a big weight on his shoulders and I think he's going to take it in stride."
"I can't help but feel a little bit more pressure," added Lewis. "They put on me quite a bit this whole year so it's not like it's going to be that much difference as far as how much stress it's going to put on me."
BACK TO WORK: The Falcons' Monday workout was the first since last Thursday for the team, which got some time off during the bye week. Head Coach Bobby Petrino said he liked what he saw despite the layoff.
"I think everybody used the break and refreshed," he said. "Meetings went well. We're getting ready for Sunday's game versus San Francisco. It was a short practice, but we did try to keep it crisp."
ROSTER MOVES: Jackson's spot on the 53-man roster was filled Monday with a familiar face -- cornerback Brent Grimes.
Grimes, who was signed as a free agent last season, brings training camp and NFL Europa experience to the roster. He spent training camp with the team and started the season on the practice squad.
Grimes was replaced on the practice squad by another familiar face -- defensive end Kevin Huntley -- who was re-signed after being released by the Falcons earlier this month.
LEFTWICH HEALING: Quarterback Byron Leftwich moved around the locker room Monday less than a week after undergoing surgery to expedite his recovery from a high ankle sprain.
Petrino said he's pleased with the veteran's progress.
"Byron was in there this morning. He's walking around on it already," the coach said. "He said it feels good. There is some pain involved still but not as much as he thought there might be. So it's probably a couple weeks away still in my opinion. In his? Maybe one week away. We'll still see where we're at."
In other injury news, Petrino said tackle Todd Weiner (knee), tight end Alge Crumpler (knee/ankle) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (ankle) continued their rehabilitation Monday.
"I think Weiner is getting better," Petrino said. "He worked out here today. He did pass sets. He looked pretty good moving around. I was impressed. Alge was running some change of direction. Stephen Nicholas is in a situation now where he can run straight ahead; he can move full speed straight ahead. But the key to the high ankle is how you change directions and he didn't look like he was there yet."
CRUMPLER HONORED: Crumpler returned to the field Monday after receiving off-the-field honors during the bye week.
Crumpler was presented with a plaque last Wednesday after being inducted into the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Alumni Hall of Fame during the organization's annual Southeast Chairman's Dinner (presenting the plaque is Mark H. Lazarus, president, Turner Entertainment Group and co-chair of the dinner).
