Falcons veteran players report to training camp as team adjusts to COVID-19 protocols

HALL COUNTY, Ga. — As the start of football season gets closer, more of the Atlanta Falcons reported to their training facilities in Flowery Branch Tuesday.

Rookies reported last week and the veterans reported today, but the first day is unlike anything we’ve seen before. The players drive to team headquarters, get out of their cars, take a COVID-19 test and go home.

Every player and coach must receive two consecutive negative tests before they are allowed inside the building.

[RELATED: Falcons announce seating capacity, make masks mandatory for 2020 season]

Channel 2 sports director Zach Klein caught up with Falcons head coach Dan Quinn about how the pandemic is changing the playbook.

Despite trying to play a season working outside of a bubble, Quinn is optimistic.

“I know where we’re at, what we’re doing. I know the difficult challenge ahead of us. But also I guess my optimism fires me up to say this is something we can do after being here a while. Recognize that these guidelines are possible to do. That’s a good feeling,” Quinn said.

While other players around the league have decided not to play, Quinn said he hasn’t had a single conversation with any of his players about opting out of the season.

The Falcons did announce that fourth round pick safety Jaylinn Hawkins has been placed on the team’s COVID-19 reserve list.

The Falcons can not disclose whether or not a player on the list is in quarantine or tested positive.

Jaylinn Hawkins: Getting to know Falcons fourth round pick The Falcons selected Cal safety Jaylinn Hawkins with No. 134 pick.

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