NFC South Morning Jog: Falcons LB Akeem Dent Will Miss Game with Concussion

Each morning, I like to start the day off with a workout—usually a morning jog. I can clear my head, plan my day, and think about what’s going on around the NFC South.

Atlanta Falcons

Head coach Mike Smith ruled second-year linebacker Akeem Dent out for Thursday's game against Cincinnati. Dent suffered a concussion in last week's preseason game and still is in the first phase of the NFL's concussion protocol. [Fox Sports South]

Matt Ryan handed out praise to Dominique Davis Monday, according to the team's official website. Davis is locked in a battle with John Parker Wilson to claim the third quarterback spot on Atlanta's roster.

The Falcons released their preseason Week 2 depth chart, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Carolina Panthers

Head coach Ron Rivera isn't a fan of the 28-person film crew that will be present for Friday's preseason game against Miami. The Dolphins are the subject of HBO's "Hard Knocks" and the circus that surrounds that show invade Charlotte for this week's game. [Charlotte Observer]

Linebacker Thomas Davis returned to practice Monday after missing all but the first week of camp. [Carolina's official website]

New Orleans Saints

Rookie defensive tackle Akiem Hicks has been impressive through camp and interim head coach Joe Vitt said Hicks had all the tools needed. [Times-Picayune]

Not only did running back Pierre Thomas talk about what he needs to do to improve in 2012 in this Times-Picayune video, but he also speaks about undrafted rookie Travaris Cadet.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

New head coach Greg Schiano called defensive tackle Gerald McCoy "key to our defense" in an article on the team's official website.

Vincent Jackson said that quarterback Josh Freeman "should be mentioned in the top five in the league" Monday. [Tampa Tribune]