FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drew Davis, who underwent foot surgery after minicamp in June, will begin the season on the physically unable to perform list, coach Mike Smith told ESPN.com.

Davis' injury initially was supposed to sideline him for six weeks, but the timetable changed. Now, he'll be forced to miss the first six weeks of the regular season.

Davis had a few strong moments last season as the Falcons played without Julio Jones and with Roddy White not fully healthy. Davis caught 12 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games. He started three contests.

Davis will not count against the 53-man roster while on PUP. Neither will safety Zeke Motta, who is recovering from neck surgery. It essentially opens up two roster spots for bubble players, at least for the first six weeks.

With Davis out to start the season, one of the undrafted rookie receivers could stick on the 53-man roster. Speedster Bernard Reedy is a top candidate.

"Yes, it gives Reedy a chance to make your roster,'' Smith said. "Again, there's multiple positions that are going to be determined on what happens this weekend and next Thursday.

"[Geraldo] Boldewijn, hey, he's had a good preseason. You can't discount any of those guys. We're halfway through the preseason. We get two more evaluations. So it gives us an opportunity to see those guys.''

Jones, White, Harry Douglas and Devin Hester comprise the primary group of receivers. Veteran Courtney Roby should make the team based on what the Falcons believe he brings on special teams.

Reedy has impressed since the offseason with his blazing speed and ability to be a long-ball threat. The 6-foot-4 Boldewijn has size to advantage, while Tramaine Thompson has had some moments himself.