ATLANTA -- Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said rookie first-round draft pick Takkarist McKinley, who underwent pre-draft shoulder surgery, will be limited to begin training camp Thursday but is expected be ready for the regular season.
McKinley, who was prohibited from remaining with the team after rookie minicamp due to NFL rules regarding final exams at his college (UCLA), has been at the team's facility working out as of late. The timeline for the initial right shoulder surgery, performed in March, involved a four-to-six month recovery for McKinley.
Dimitroff was asked if McKinley would be held out of all activities to begin camp.
"I'm not sure exactly sitting out, but it will be limited in terms of what his participation will be," Dimitroff said.
Although no timeline was set for McKinley to have full participation in practice, Dimitroff said the Falcons are targeting the third or fourth preseason game for McKinley to get some meaningful reps.
"I think we'd love for him to be able to participate in the games," Dimitroff said of the preseason. "That could be about a handful of plays. You never know. But our point is, we want to make sure that we are mindful of how we're healing him. But he's progressing well, and that's what we're excited and positive about."
Dimitroff made clear he expects McKinley to be ready for the Sept. 10 regular-season opener in Chicago against the Bears.
"It's not a concern for us going into the season," Dimitroff said.
McKinley, was drafted to add another quality edge rusher opposite Vic Beasley Jr., who led the league with 15.5 sacks last season. The Falcons have started to build a formidable front, with nose tackle Grady Jarrett coming off a record-tying three-sack performance in the Super Bowl and two-time Pro Bowler Dontari Poe joining the mix as a strong, big body up front to push the pocket.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn didn't rule out the possibility of the team re-signing seven-time Pro Bowler Dwight Freeney, who expressed a desire to continue his career. At the same time, Quinn said he wants to see what he has in the current group before making that decision. The Falcons have depth, particularly with the return of Adrian Clayborn and Derrick Shelby from season-ending injuries. Plus, the coaches have been impressed with undrafted pass-rusher J'Terius Jones.
"We're excited about where our defensive front is," Dimitroff said. "We're excited about watching the development of that D-line."
Dimitroff was asked if the team will be extra cautious with McKinley going into the season.
"I think being cautious and being mindful of where he is," Dimitroff said. "He one of those guys we're going to have to keep the rein on in order to make sure that he doesn't (overdo it), because he wants to be out there now."