Falcons HC speaks out after offensive starter gets carted off practice field with concerning injury

"The thing I will say to you now is that he will miss significant time," Morris said after the Falcons' last preseason game in Dallas, per the team's official website. "Looks like it will be IR, whatever the case may be, we will have to see there, but he will miss significant time for us."

McGary went down during individual drills and had to be carted off the field. Although Morris indicated that the six-year veteran will land on injured reserve, that could come with a return designation if the Falcons believe he can return this season.

The 30-year-old just negotiated a $3.5M raise earlier this month with a two-year, $15M extension. With Michael Penix Jr. entering his first full season as a starter, McGary may have had some added leverage as the left-handed quarterback’s new blindside protector.

McGary’s injury will stretch an already-injured tackle room even further. Swing tackle Storm Norton is recovering from ankle surgery and former UDFA Tyrone Wheatley Jr. is out for the year. If Norton isn’t ready for Week 1, it’s unclear who will start at right tackle.

Morris specifically mentioned Elijah Wilkinson as a player who is expected to step up amid the injuries. He’s currently listed as the backup left guard on the Falcons’ unofficial depth chart, but the eight-year veteran moved to left tackle for the team’s second preseason. He also has 20 career starts at right tackle, though the last came in 2021. Brandon Parker is listed as Atlanta’s backup right tackle, but has lined up at left tackle in the preseason. Like Wilkinson, he has plenty of past experience at right tackle as well.

Rookie Jack Nelson could also be a factor after starting both preseason games at right tackle, but the seventh-rounder may not be trusted to protect Penix’s blind side right away. If McGary and/or Norton begin the season on IR, UDFA Jordan Williams could make the roster as extra depth after getting a handful of snaps at right tackle in the preseason.