Falcon Report

Falcons Injury Update: Calais Campbell Moving in 'Right Direction'

Calais Campbell could return to training camp very soon for the Atlanta Falcons.

Jeremy Brener

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The Atlanta Falcons could be getting a big part of their defense back on the field soon.

Calais Campbell, the team's big veteran acquisition during free agency, has been on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) List since training camp began, but the 36-year-old defensive end may not be on the sidelines for much longer.

"We’ll see early in the week; maybe we’ll get him back out there and ramp him back up," coach Arthur Smith said. "He’s been doing a great job inside. We have plans for everybody. There’s a good chance maybe next week we can ramp him up a little more, what that looks like, I’ll know more on Monday. We’re turning in the right direction.”

After ranking second-worst in the NFL in total sacks (21), Atlanta signed the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year to a one-year, $7 million contract in April. And on the doorstep of 100 career sacks, the addition of Campbell shouldn't only bring high levels of leadership to this young roster, but highly skilled pass-rushing abilities as well.

While it would unrealistic to expect the 36-year-old to contend for a Defensive Player of the Year award, that doesn't mean Campbell doesn't have something to prove.

"It's exciting when you go to a new team, new environment, you're kinda learning everything," Campbell said. "It gives you a that burst of energy that 'I want to prove myself'. I want to be out there and be great for my teammates, for the coaches and for the front office that believed in me and gave me an opportunity."

Coach Smith will provide a further update on Campbell's status Monday before the Falcons head to south Florida for joint training camp practices and the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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