ATLANTA -- Matt Ryan's next shot at winning the starting quarterback job for the Atlanta Falcons will come in his first preseason start.
Falcons coach Mike Smith said Monday that Ryan will start Friday night's game against Tennessee at the Georgia Dome.
Ryan and the other starters are expected to play the first half and at least one series in the third quarter.
Ryan, the No. 3 overall pick in this year's draft, entered the Falcons' Aug. 9 preseason opener at Jacksonville after only two series and led an 11-play, 74-yard touchdown drive. He had an interception returned for a touchdown in a less impressive backup performance in Saturday night's loss to Indianapolis.
Smith started Chris Redman against Jacksonville and Joey Harrington against Indianapolis. D.J. Shockley has been the fourth quarterback in each of the first two preseason games.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press