FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- All three of the Atlanta Falcons' candidates for the nickelback role were on the field for special teams at the start of Tuesday's practice.

The battle between Robert McClain, Javier Arenas, and Josh Wilson remains unsettled, according to coach Mike Smith. But McClain, also a standout on special teams, would appear to have a decisive advantage.

Whatever the case, the trio will get one more chance to compete in Thursday night's final preseason game at Jacksonville.

Smith refused to reveal which of the three would be up first in the nickel spot.

"I don't really want to talk about who's going to get the first look, but all three are going to play," Smith said. "I don't think you can read into who gets the first snaps. It's going to be a matter of guys getting an opportunity to go out there and compete. We will put them in much quicker in the ball game then we have in the previous weeks. They won't take a whole half. It will be rotations by series."

• Right guard Jon Asamoah, who sat out Monday's practice with a slight limp, was back on the field with a helmet for Tuesday's session. It's unclear how much work Asamoah did because media is now only allowed to view the start of practice. He held the heavy bag for his fellow offensive linemen at the start of individual drills as they worked on their hands. Smith said Asamoah's apparent leg injury wasn't serious, so it was good news to see him back on the field immediately.

• Speaking of offensive lineman, Gabe Carimi had his second day of practice coming off an ankle injury and is poised to make a final push for the starting right tackle spot. "Gabe will play in the game," Smith said of the final exhibition. "He's had an opportunity to practice. We need to get an evaluation. Gabe, unfortunately, was injured in the scrimmage against the Tennessee Titans and missed basically all of the preseason. And we need to get a good evaluation. He'll get a look at multiple positions, if we can."

• Extra points: Rookie safety Dez Southward remained sidelined at practice as he continued to go through the concussion protocol. ... Running back Steven Jackson, who returned from a left hamstring injury, practiced for the second consecutive day. ... Rookie linebacker Prince Shembo was not on the field for the start of practice, but he emerged just before the start of individual drills. ... Former Falcons backup quarterback Dominique Davis signed with the Tennessee Titans.