Kaleb McGary Out for the Season Due to Injury
The Atlanta Falcons have suffered a hard blow to their offensive line. Starting right tackle, Kaleb McGary, will miss the entire 2024 season due to an injury that has placed him on the injured reserve list without designation to return.
McGary suffered the leg injury during a practice last Wednesday and had to be carted off the field. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris had stated on Friday night that McGary would be out for a “significant amount of time”.
McGary, recognized for his skill in run blocking, would have had a more important role this season, protecting the blind side of the left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
The situation is further complicated by the injury to Storm Norton, Atlanta’s backup tackle, who will also be out of action. Norton underwent ankle surgery last week and is expected to be out for six to eight weeks. The Falcons have placed Norton on the reserve/injured list with a return designation.
Elijah Wilkinson, a versatile offensive lineman, replaced McGary at right tackle during last week’s practices and appears to be the likely starter until Norton returns. Wilkinson has started 19 games at that position for the Denver Broncos in 2019 and 2020. He also started nine games for the Falcons in 2022, but at the left guard position.
In addition, the Falcons acquired tackle Michael Jerrell via trade on Tuesday, sending a conditional seventh-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks. Jerrell, a 2024 sixth-round pick, started three games last season at right tackle.
