Kaleb McGary, the Atlanta Falcons’ right tackle, saw his future become murky when the third-year lineman went down on Wednesday with a leg injury at practice. The embarrassing incident was play out right before the squad was getting ready to start their 11-on-11 drills. Eyewitness accounts agree that McGary was loaded onto a cart on the field. He seemed to favor his left leg as he was helped down from the cart by an athletic trainer.
McGary, 30, recently signed a two-year, $30-million extension. This contract confirms his status as an indispensable cog in the wheel that’s the Falcons defense. He brings two Super Bowl rings with him as he enters his seventh season as the starting right tackle. In 2025, he’ll have even more responsibility as he becomes the blindside protector for newly-acquired left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
The team’s practice was disrupted as players huddled to address McGary’s situation. Into the breach, Elijah Wilkinson, just activated from the practice squad, took over and displaced his responsibilities on the field. Storm Norton, the third swing tackle, had ankle surgery. He’ll likely miss six to eight weeks.
The Falcons have yet to divulge any specifics as to how bad McGary’s injury is. A team spokesperson said any news about his condition would be shared “at the right time.”
McGary’s injury is a worrying sign for the Falcons’ offensive line, particularly with the 2023 season just a few weeks away. His performance and health will be paramount as the team looks forward to a gauntlet of playoff scenarios.
Leave a Reply