The Atlanta Falcons appear to have dodged an injury bullet with starting tackle Kaleb McGary, an early departure in Sunday's 21-19 home win over the Houston Texans.
McGary suffered a knee injury with three drives still to play and was spotted on the sideline riding a stationary bike, which coach Arthur Smith declared postgame was a "good sign," but he admitted the team was still awaiting further evaluations.
By the team Smith met with reporters again Monday, those results were in - and delivered positive results.
Smith revealed that McGary's injury is "nothing major," though his status for this coming Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders is uncertain.
"We'll have to see how the week goes along," Smith said. "We have some bumps and bruises, but nothing to report that will keep anybody out long-term."
The same is true for veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who sustained a stinger in his trap, per ESPN, but eventually returned to the game. Campbell anticipates being fine moving forward.
As for McGary, the answer is less clear ... but the Falcons received an encouraging glimpse of the depth they've compiled should the fifth-year pro miss action.
Storm Norton, an 18-game professional starter who was signed off the New Orleans Saints' practice squad on Sept. 26, entered the game for the final three possessions.
The Falcons put together drives of 74, 59 and 51 yards once Norton entered the game, two of which netted points and helped lift Atlanta to a crucial victory after consecutive double-digit defeats.
In less than two weeks, the 29-year-old Norton went from the Falcons' biggest rival's practice squad to an impact player in a big early-season game.
Norton's performance didn't go unnoticed by Smith, who gave impromptu praise to the 6-7, 317-pound tackle while tipping his cap to Atlanta's front office for bringing him in.
"Storm comes in there, doesn't flinch," Smith said. "Credit to our football staff - that's why you continue to look. Right fit, a guy that's played. He didn't blink, and played pretty good football for him and helped us win."
This isn't the first time the Falcons have brought in unheralded veterans and seen strong returns - just look at the revolving door at left guard last year, where four players earned starts.
Smith is confident it won't be the last ... and while most attention goes towards the gaudy additions, these under the radar signings continually matter on Sundays, and Norton proved exactly that against Houston.
"That's what you do and that's when you have a real football staff and you're trying to constantly improve," Smith said. "Those are things that nobody ever sees, but they help you win games."
And so, whether or not the Falcons have McGary this week isn't overly concerning - they believe in their process and now have evidence that Norton can be a plausible replacement.
Nonetheless, McGary's injury doesn't appear to be long term ... though his immediate status won't be in until Sunday, when Atlanta hosts Washington at 1 p.m. inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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