Kevin Stefanski provides injury update on Jawaan Taylor

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kevin Stefanski provides injury update on Jawaan Taylor

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Aug 1, 2026 12:13 PM ET

One of the more surprising developments of the offseason was Falcons starting right tackle Kaleb McGary abruptly retiring after suffering a leg injury in 2025 that forced him to miss the entire season.

Because of that, the Falcons pivoted to veteran Jawaan Taylor, who inked a one-year, $5 million contract to protect the blind side of whoever Atlanta starts under center. Taylor’s been a reliable starting right tackle for the last seven seasons, spending time with the Jaguars and the Chiefs, and what stands out most about him is his durability. He’s never played fewer than 12 games, and has appeared in 16 or more in six of his seven years in the league.

However, Taylor did enter training camp with an undisclosed injury. Thankfully, Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski eased some concerns on Friday by calling it minor and saying Taylor could be back practicing within a week.

#Falcons Kevin Stefanski says OT Jawaan Taylor is working hard to return. He's hoping to have him back soon, possibly within a week.

— Kevin Knight (@FalcoholicKevin) July 31, 2026

Taylor might not be an All-Pro at the position, but he’s certainly a much better option than what the Falcons trotted out last year in the wake of injuries to both McGary and backup swing tackle Storm Norton. Atlanta was down to its third-string right tackle before the first snap of Week 1, forcing Elijah Wilkinson into the starting role, where he appeared in all 17 games.

For most offenses, right tackle is a spot where teams can get by with below-average play and still be alright. That’s not the case for the Falcons, who will be featuring a left-handed quarterback under center for the second year in a row — whether it’s Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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