FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) -- Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff says he believes Missouri defensive end Shane Ray, whose toe injury kept him from participating in the NFL combine, will be ready for the start of the 2015 season.
The Falcons, who need pass-rush help, could consider Ray with their No. 8 overall pick in next week's NFL draft.
Ray's draft status could be hurt by speculation that he might need surgery.
Dimitroff also said Friday he's been told Georgia tailback Todd Gurley, recovering from knee surgery that ended his 2014 season, should play ''at some time in the early parts'' of the 2015 season.