Mike Smith has confirmed that Tony Gonzalez will play in the Atlanta Falcons' pre-season game against the Tennessee Titans this Saturday.

The tight end practised with the team for the first time this pre-season today, having been granted an extended break ahead of his 17th season in the NFL.

The head coach told reporters: "It didn't look like he missed a step. Tony is in his game-week preparation mode now. We're going to play him in the ball game on Saturday, and look forward to seeing him out there competing in practice, but more importantly playing in the ball game up in Nashville.

"I believe this, any player that I coached that goes to 15 Pro Bowls and has a situation with his family that forces him to miss time, I'll gladly do it for him. I think our players understand that.

"I'll sign a contract with any of them right now if they go to 15 Pro Bowls, and they got a situation with their family that they need some time off I will gladly agree to that."

Gonzalez had planned to retire at the end of last season, but was convinced by the team to sign a new contract.