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Falcons focus on joint practices with Colts in key camp week Atlanta looks to build on preseason opener as Cameron Sample steps into larger pass rush role FLOWERY BRANCH — The Atlanta Falcons are turning their attention to joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts this week, following Friday night’s preseason game against Denver. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said the joint practices Wednesday and Thursday will provide valuable reps for the team. “A lot of situational football will get accomplished,” Stefanski said. “We’ll get a lot of reps for our starters. A lot of football to get practiced. You get to do one-on-ones against players who you don’t have a book on. For the football team, just to be exposed to different schemes I think will be important.” Sample steps into larger role New defensive end and Shiloh High School product Cameron Sample is set to become a focus of the pass rush after Jalon Walker was ruled out for the year and James Pearce Jr. was suspended for the Falcons’ first eight games. “It’s kill or be killed,” Sample said. “Y’all will get to know me. I’m a good personality guy and joke around a lot, but between the white lines it’s war. My approach to the game isn’t different. I prepare to be the starter every week. That’s my mindset, I want to learn the playbook. I want the team to be able to count on me 15 snaps or 65.” Team addresses Pearce suspension Atlanta is moving forward without Pearce, last year’s leading pass rusher, as he serves his suspension. “I’m very comfortable in us sticking to the process, including what the league is doing in this case,” Stefanski said. “I’ll make sure we’re in total compliance with those types of things. James, for his part on this football team, has done everything that I’ve asked him to do, everything his coaches have asked him to do, and we’ll just continue to follow the protocols and everything that’s in place from the league.” Stefanski is in no rush to name a starting quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. will stick to 7-on-7 action in Indianapolis. Falcons starters will get a majority of practice reps but will not play in the joint practice game. Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.