The Sports Xchange

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Rookie defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who has been steadily improving, has earned some more playing time in the defensive line rotation.

“I think it’s the quickness that you really see from Grady,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said this week. “We certainly need to get him some more turns. He’s improving week after week.”

Jarrett played 13 of 72 snaps (18 percent) against the New Orleans Saints in Week 6. He was disruptive and had a tackle.

“I just want to contribute,” Jarrett said. “Whenever they call my number, I’m going to try to be ready. I definitely plan to show them that I can play so they can have more trust in me and put me out on the field. That’s just kind of where I’m at in this process. I’m going to go with the flow and keep working.”

Jarrett, who was taken in the fifth round of the draft out of Clemson, has played 95 snaps and has one quarterback hit and one hurry. Quinn has been impressed with his development.

“No. 1, he came in in great shape and he had a really good knowledge of the defense and he just won’t back down as a competitor,” Quinn said. “He’s got great … All of the things that you want in terms of trying to improve and trying to get better. He does all of that. I think every time that he plays, he’s just going to keep getting better.”

Jarrett has been soaking up the teachings of defensive line coach Bryan Cox.

“Just playing my game and adapting to what my coaches are teaching me,” Jarrett said. “I’m adjusting to the speed of the game on this level. I feel like the more I play, the better results I get. I’m just getting more comfortable.”

–The Titans have given up 20 sacks and are set to start two rookies against the Falcons.

Andy Gallik, a sixth-round pick, replaced center Brian Schwenke (dislocated ankle) against Miami and right tackle Jeremiah Poutasi, who gave up three sacks over 21 snaps against the Dolphins, are set to start.

Falcons linebacker/defensive end O’Brien Schofield will face Poutasi. Gallik will contend with quick defensive tackles Adrian Clayborn and Jonathan Babineaux when the Falcons are in their nickel package. Gallik then faces a very different challenge against base defense tackles Ra’Shede Hageman and Paul Soliai.

–Left tackle Jake Matthews is off to a solid start in his second season.

“You know, when we went through the game, it was one of the best games that Jake’s played this year, in terms of the quickness and movement,” Quinn said of the Saints game in Week 6. “The steps that he’s taken each week, you really see the improvement happening. For him, I thought it was a really good outing.”

PRACTICE NOTES: LB Justin Durant (elbow) worked with the trainers on Monday. He returned to practice on Wednesday and was limited. He has a brace on his left elbow. … C Mike Person (sprain ankle) worked with the trainers on Monday. He returned to practice on Wednesday and was limited. … WR Roddy White (foot) was limited in practice on Wednesday. … WR/PR/KR Eric Weems (knee) was limited in practice on Wednesday. … SS William Moore (hand) fully practiced. … WR Leonard Hankerson (ribs/hamstring) was limited in practice.