We are mere weeks away from the start of preseason so you know what that means — Falcons training camp is opening. Beginning August 1, Falcons’ training camp kicks off in Flowery Branch with select practices being open to the public. Admission is free. Training camp will last for three weeks and is sponsored by Russell Athletic. An autograph session will follow each practice featuring select members from the offensive and defensive squads on alternate days.

The Falcons preseason opener is at Detroit on August 15 followed by a road matchup with St Louis on August 21. The Falcons will host the Chargers at the Georgia Dome on August 29 and Baltimore on September 3.

The team will also participate in the Allstate All-Access weekend. On August 7, the team will scrimmage at Brookwood High School followed by another contest at the Georgia Dome on August 8. The All-State Weekend and training camp are the perfect opportunity for Falcons’ fans to get up-close-and personal to see Atlanta?s latest acquisition TE Tony Gonzalez who looks to further supercharge the Falcons’ offense. Also on display will be 2009 draft standouts like Peria Jerry and William Moore.

For more information regarding the training camp schedule, call the Training Camp Hotline at (770) 965-2752. View the complete Training Camp Schedule below.

Date – # of practices – Practice Times – Open to the Public
Aug. 1 – 2 – 8:30 a.m., 3:45 p.m. – Both
Aug. 2 – 2 – 9:35 a.m., 3:45 p.m. – Both
Aug. 3 – 2 – 8:30 a.m., 3:45 p.m. – First Practice
Aug. 4 – 2 – 8:30 a.m., 3:45 p.m. – First Practice
Aug. 5 – 1 – 1:30 p.m. – Open
Aug. 6 – 2 – 8:30 a.m., 3:45 p.m. – First Practice
Falcons Allstate All-Access Weekend
Aug. 7 – 1 – 10:15 a.m. – Open – Scrimmage at Brookwood High School – 7 p.m. – Open
Aug. 8 – Mock Game at the Georgia Dome – 11 a.m. – Open
Aug. 9 – No Practice
Aug. 10 – 2 – 8:30 a.m., 3:45 p.m. – First Practice
Aug. 11 – 2 – 8:30 a.m., 3:20 p.m. – First Practice
Aug. 12 – 2 – 8:30 a.m., 3:45 p.m. – First Practice
Aug. 13 – 2 – 8:30 a.m., 3:45 p.m – First Practice
Aug. 14 – 1 – 10:25 a.m. – Open
Aug. 15 – Falcons at Detroit – 4 p.m.
Aug. 16 – No Practice
Aug. 17 – 2 – 9:30 a.m., 3:45 p.m. – Both Closed
Aug. 18 – 2 – 8:30 a.m., 3:45 p.m. – Both Closed
Aug. 19 – 2 – 8:30 a.m., 3:45 p.m. – Both Closed
Aug. 20 – 1 – 10:25 a.m. – Closed
Aug. 21 – Falcons at St. Louis – 8 p.m.
Aug. 29 – Falcons vs. San Diego – 8 p.m.
Sept. 3 – Falcons vs. Baltimore – 7:30 p.m.

The NFL Network has evidently been poking the bear with a stick again. Rich Rosa, John Abraham’s agent, says the star defensive end isn’t sour on his contract and isn’t planning on staging a holdout as previously reported by the network. He said that when Falcons training camp opens in Flowery Branch on August 1, his client will be busy roughing the passer.

The Falcons for their part say they have not be approached by Abraham?s agent about any contract demands. Currently, Abraham has a six-year, $45 contract which stands to pay him $5 million for the 2009 season. In comparison with defensive linemen around the league, Abraham’s compensation package is starting to look shrimpy with Jared Allen’s six-year deal with Minnesota for $73 million not to mention the eye-popping sum Albert Haynesworth scored with Washington this offseason (seven-years, $100 million). Its enough to make you think Dan Snyder has more money than sense.

Since joining the team in 2005, Abraham has become one of the most accomplished leaders on the Falcons’ defense, racking up a franchise record 16.5 sacks and being named second-team All-Pro last season. John Abraham’s absence from OTAs may have fueled some of these holdout rumors, but skipping these non-mandatory workouts has become commonplace among veterans who prefer to work at their own pace.

The Falcons have been active in contract extensions with Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White after the gaudy numbers he put up during the 08 season. Rosa says he’d definitely be listening should the Falcons come to him about enhancing Abraham’s contract, but it isn’t something that they are actively pursuing on their part