FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The ink was barely dry on his new contract with the Falcons when Ben Hartsock got a chance to work with the first-string offense but the free agent tight end took nothing for granted as the team moved through off-season workouts and Russell Falcons Training Camp.
He works for everything, especially any possible role as a team leader.
"I think as a free agent coming in you're the new guy on the team and you have to come out to show you'll be an asset to the franchise and earn the respect of your teammates," Hartsock said after Wednesday's practice. "That's been my main goal this camp. I haven't been terribly vocal outside the tight end room. You just go out, go to work every day, try to earn the respect of your teammates and go from there."
Thus far Hartsock's health alone is a plus.
The Falcons entered camp with five tight ends. The team re-signed former Georgia Tech tight end George Cooper after Martrez Milner suffered injuries to his foot, ankle and knee. Earlier this week the team waived rookie Brad Listorti who was also fighting an injury.
"Injuries are a part of training camp," Hartsock said. "You just try to go out and fill in for guys when they're not available... You can't skip a beat."
So far the Falcons haven't shown an abundance of weakness at the position. The team put up 343 yards of offense in the season opener with tight ends active in the running and passing games.
With each passing day Hartsock's role comes more into focus but, for now, he's happy to wear red and black for the first time in his career.
"It was nice to go out and be a part of a fresh start with this new franchise," he said. " The franchise as a whole, I think, is really turning over a new leaf."
THE WAITING GAME: When asked about the quarterback rotation for Saturday's preseason game Head Coach Mike Smith politely nodded and mentioned Thursday afternoon. That's when the team will announce a starter.
"We're going to make sure all the guys get an opportunity to work with the first string," Smith added.
Veteran Chris Redman started last week. Matt Ryan, Joey Harrington and D.J. Shockley followed.
WELCOME BACK: After missing more than a week of practice and the first preseason game cornerback Chris Houston returned to practice Wednesday. The cornerback injured his shoulder while making a tackle earlier in camp.
"It's really good to see Chris back out on the practice field," Smith said. "Chris has worked extremely hard with his shoulder to get back. He's been working diligently in the training room (and) his conditioning. That's a good sign to have a guy wanting to get back out there on the field."
Houston said he's not sure if he'll play in Saturday's preseason game against the Colts.
"It was very tough out there watching your teammates on the battle field," he said. "Then again, even sitting back watching I'm learning. This weekend is going to be another big game for us and I'm excited we're back at home."
JUST FOR KICKS: Kicker Jason Elam missed two field goals at Jacksonville Saturday but don't look for any alarms buzzing around the team's headquarters. The veteran kicker watched the tape and immediately knew what he needed to work on.
"It's the same stuff every year," he said. "Kicking is not rocket science but there are a few things mechanically that each kicker knows. I have a list of about six or seven things. You just work on those and get in a good rhythm with your snapper and holder."
The 15-year veteran ranks fifth in NFL history in field goals made (395) and sixth in points scored (1,786).
INJURY REPORT: Cornerback Brent Grimes had been limited over the past two days with what Smith described as a "tweaked knee." Grimes returned to practice Wednesday, however, to get some full-speed work with the first team.
Center Alex Stepanovich (back), cornerback David Irons (hamstring), defensive end John Abraham (ankle) and guard Kynan Forney (rest/knee) missed practice.
"(Stepanovich) is progressing," Smith said. "We've got him trying to relax. I know John worked with the trainers again today and we'll just see how he feels over the next couple of days."
RELATED LINKS:
- COVERAGE: Click here for complete coverage from 2008 Russell Falcons Training Camp
- NOTEBOOK: Hartsock confident tight ends will fight through injury
- TRANSCRIPT: Head Coach Mike Smith
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Todd McClure | Chris Houston
- BIRDSEED: J. Mike reviews and comments on Falcons news
