Kaleb McGary, significant loss for the Falcons
Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris announced this Friday that right tackle Kaleb McGary will be out of action for a considerable time due to an injury suffered during a practice on Wednesday.
Following the preseason defeat against the Dallas Cowboys by 31-13 in Arlington, Texas, Morris indicated that McGary could be placed on the injured reserve list. The Falcons have the possibility of placing two players on the injured list without this affecting the 53-player roster or having to go through waivers.
In that scenario, McGary would miss at least the first four games of the season.
McGary suffered the leg injury before the start of Wednesday’s 11-a-side training period. He had to be taken off the field on a cart and was seen limping, with the help of a trainer to enter the facilities.
It should be remembered that McGary underwent surgery on his left ankle during the offseason, which prevented him from participating in the team’s spring practices.
This situation leaves a significant void on the offensive line, which will need to protect the blind side of second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. McGary’s backup, Storm Norton, also had ankle surgery on Tuesday and will be out for six to eight weeks.
Elijah Wilkinson, a versatile offensive lineman, replaced McGary at the right tackle position during Thursday’s practice. Wilkinson started 19 games at that position with the Denver Broncos in 2019 and 2020. In addition, he played nine games as a starter for the Falcons in 2022, at the left guard position.
McGary, 30, is about to begin his seventh season as the Falcons’ starting right tackle. The player, drafted in the first round of 2019, signed a two-year, $30 million contract extension with Atlanta earlier this month.
