Akeem

Dent

Lofton is believed to be seeking a deal similar to the four years and $36 million of Jets ILB David Harris. It’s a steep price for a coverage-deficient player expected to be removed in nickel packages. The Bucs could show interest in stealing him away from a division rival, leaving 2011 third-rounder Akeem Dent to start in the middle of Mike Nolan’s defense. Abraham is viewed as a one-dimensional injury risk at age 34.

Smith labeled the competition “wide open.” While Dent has the fresher legs, Smith indicated that Tatupu’s workout for the Falcons was “really strong,” with good change-of-direction ability. The winner will likely be limited to early downs.

He’ll resume practicing in team drills immediately and play in Atlanta’s third preseason game. Concussed in the exhibition opener, Dent remains on track to start at middle linebacker in Week 1. The fact that Dent will leave the field on virtually every passing down means he’s more of an LB3 in IDP leagues.

The concussion may be a bit of a relief, as it initially appeared that Dent was forced from the game due to a more serious knee injury. The Falcons’ new starter in the middle will have to pass the customary battery of tests to return to the field next week.

A camp battle with Akeem Dent is forthcoming, but the Falcons are giving the more experienced player the first shot. Tatupu, 29, missed last season due to chronic knee problems. He doesn’t appear to have any lingering issues. The winner will likely only be a two-down ‘backer, so there is limited IDP appeal here.

Curtis Lofton is now in New Orleans, leaving the early-down middle ‘backer gig wide open. Tatupu might have the edge due to more experience, but he’s been slowed by knee issues of late. Either way, there’s not much IDP upside here.

Tatupu, 29, will undergo surgery to repair the injury. Although he signed a two-year, $5.75 million contract in March, only $600,000 was guaranteed. It’s unlikely that he will ever play a down for the Falcons. Last year’s third-rounder, Akeem Dent, is the favorite to start at middle linebacker.

The severity of the injury has not been reported, but the ex-Seahawk is not expected to be ready for the start of training camp. If the pectoral is torn, the Falcons could send him to the PUP list to open the year. Tatupu, 29, missed all of last season due to chronic knee issues. He was signed in March to compete with Akeem Dent for the starting middle linebacker job.

A date with Dr. Andrews is never a good sign. Per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Tatupu’s injury is “serious” and he is not expected to be available when the Falcons open training camp on Thursday. Akeem Dent has a leg up on the starting middle ‘backer gig already.

ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas suggests that the Falcons’ coaching staff had wanted Dent to claim the job all along. He’s now going to get it, “ready or not.” Dent is expected to be a two-down player, coming off the field in nickel packages. He may still push for 90 tackles, but will lose big-play potential.