NE Atlanta News

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Running back Carlos Washington Jr. is currently in his second consecutive Atlanta Falcons training camp, aiming to secure a spot on the 53-man roster by the end of the month. After failing to make the team in 2023 and landing on the practice squad, Washington has shown signs of growth and maturity over the past year.

"I feel like last preseason I left some meat on the bone," Washington stated. "So, (I'm) just going into it with an open mind, trusting myself and trusting my craft. And (I'm) going to leave it all out there, and don't question myself this time."

His position coach, Michael Pitre, emphasized that it was challenging for Washington as an undrafted free agent to achieve this mindset last year due to immense self-imposed pressure. Pitre noted that Washington now understands he deserves his place on the team.

"It's just football," Pitre remarked. "I think he's starting to realize he deserves to be here, he's worked his butt off to be here. Now, just go relax and play football."

Washington has been receiving significant practice reps this preseason with both first- and second-team offensive units. This trend continued into Friday's exhibition game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.

In the game, Washington had the most rushing attempts for the Falcons as a starter. He carried the ball 16 times for 25 yards and scored Atlanta's sole touchdown with a 1-yard push. Only rookie Jase McClellan had more rushing yards (30) with fewer carries (nine).

Despite their efforts, the Falcons lost their preseason debut 20-13 to the Dolphins. Reflecting on his performance, Washington remained critical of himself.

"I'm a little hard on myself," he admitted. "I would want to perform a little better. I felt like I showed a little flash, but overall, I need better from myself."

The Falcons have two remaining preseason games: Aug. 17 against the Baltimore Ravens and Aug. 23 at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Raheem Morris has confirmed Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier as their top two running backs but emphasized that making the roster involves fitting specific roles rather than simply being third-best.

"Carlos gives a little bit of juice," Morris explained. "Carlos gives a little bit of something else out of the backfield... You find those clones that kind of go with your starters and they kind of mimic those things."

Washington remains focused on seizing every opportunity presented to him.

"I know that as I continue to put my best foot forward," he said, "I'm going to try to make it undeniable."