The Atlanta Falcons offense is searching for depth. Julio Jones is out for the season. Steven Jackson remains out with a hamstring injury. Jason Snelling is dealing with concussion symptoms. Roddy White remains questionable with an ongoing ankle problem. With the NFL trade deadline approaching, there was belief the Falcons would try and make a deal to give Matt Ryan one more weapon. Mike Smith denies the thought.
In a press conference on Monday, Smith said that while he would not address any potential moves the Falcons could make, he is very happy with the current roster in place and intends to place his full confidence in the remaining players on the team.
"We built this roster," Smith said, via the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "We like this roster. That's all I'll say about it."
The Falcons did add Brian Robiskie in the wake of losing Jones for the season, but they intend to give extra reps to players like Harry Douglas, Kevin Cone and Drew Davis. Douglas has been a reliable No. 3 man, but will step up as a true starter come Week 7. Ryan has been working overtime with Cone and Davis to establish better chemistry with the young duo.
"Matt has been throwing the ball quite a bit, probably more so in practice to Drew Davis, Harry Douglas and Kevin Cone," Smith said. "Again, we haven't done it in games, but they've done it in practice. They've had a couple of days last week to work and we'll get an extra day (Tuesday)."
Davis and Cone have been taking advantage of the extra practice time with the first-team offense. The Falcons had a bye week to help correct some of their offensive woes in wake of an unexpected 1-4 start. Douglas has the most experience with Ryan as he enters his sixth season. Both Cone and Davis have come up big in reserve roles. Smith notes that the trio might not have that much game time experience, they have logged a great deal of snaps during practice that will help come Week 7.
"I've very confident in the group that we have in the locker room and the group that we have in the staff room," Smith said. "We've got a lot of experience. We've got a lot of guys that have won a lot of football games."
White continues to remain uncertain for Week 7. The veteran left the Falcons game against the New York Jets early after suffering a hamstring injury. Pairing that with his already nagging high ankle sprain and White could miss the first full game of his career. Despite all of the injuries the Falcons have faced this year, White says that is no excuse and it is time for players to step up.
"It's been frustrating because we haven't been winning," White said. "Coach tells us every day, that's just the NFL. People get hurt in the league every day. That can't be the reason why are losing games."
