At this point, however, Sanu has been praised by teammates, including Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub, for his work ethic and the energy he brings to the field. The veteran receiver isn't taking it easy this preseason. 2. McKinley given 'green light to go all-out'

One of the biggest storylines this offseason and entering training camp was the health status of Atlanta's first-round draft pick. Until now, Takkarist McKinley has been limited to individual drills. That changed Tuesday, when the pass rusher looked good going live in one-on-one drills against the offensive line and provided an update on his situation after practice.

"Coach gave me the green light today," McKinley said. "I put in so much effort once I had surgery on March 6, just over this past summer and the spring, to be where I'm at right now. For me, it was just getting 1 percent better every day. … Like I said, I got the green light. I'm just going out there whenever they put me out there to just go as hard as I can."

The rookie had an impressive moment during some pass-rushing drills where he flashed both strength and power to beat his man. Now that he's been given the all-clear, it's time to see what McKinley brings to this club.

To see McKinley's entire post-practice interview, click here. 3. Dan Quinn shares thoughts on right guard battle

Along the offensive line, the right guard position is the only one without an incumbent starter. This preseason, Ben Garland and Wes Schweitzer are the primary contenders for the starting job, and fourth-round draft pick Sean Harlow is expected to see a bit of action as well.

Through the first segment on practices, there has been a good deal of rotation at the position. That is something that seems likely to continue based on coach Quinn's comments following Tuesday's session.

"I learned that we're not there yet," Quinn said. "We've got plenty of time to evaluate. Just when you think somebody is making a move, we're going to take it all the way through and make sure we're getting the pass-protection looks, the blitz looks, the matchups."

There is still a long way to go in the competition, and it's arguably the most important position battle of the preseason. It seems like Quinn is just waiting for someone to grab this job and pancake block it into the ground.

The entire interview with coach Quinn after Tuesday's practice can be found here. 4. Ishmael 'getting a good hold' of transition to linebacker

Versatility is a trait the Falcons value greatly, and it's one that's helped Ishmael transition from safety to linebacker this offseason. When injuries hit the Falcons' linebacker corps last season, Kemal Ishmael filled in and showed something to the coaching staff that gave them confidence he could handle the role permanently.

"Just how physical I play. The versatility I give and taking pride in going down in the nasty box and taking on blockers, hitting people; that's a big part of my game," Ishmael said when asked why the coaching staff felt he could make the transition. "Guys went down last year, and I stepped in – like we're supposed to do – and I played pretty well. I'll do anything for the team, so I'm with it."

Atlanta's linebacker corps has gotten younger and faster since Quinn's arrival. Whether Ishmael establishes himself as a starter or not, it's gotten deeper with him in the mix.

To watch Ishmael's post-practice interview, click here. 5. Rookie Riley making a good impression