Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. loses key offensive starter for season

McGary has been a staple on the offensive line since the Falcons took him in the first round of the 2019 draft. The 30-year-old offensive lineman has appeared in 93 games and started 92. 

McGary's importance on Atlanta's offensive line got a noticeable bump in 2024 when the team drafted Penix with the No. 8 pick. Typically, the left tackle position is the most important position on the offensive line because quarterbacks are typically right-handed. The Falcons need a solid right tackle to protect Penix's blindside.

Further complicating issues on the offensive line early in the season, McGary's backup, Sam Norton, is out six to eight weeks after undergoing ankle surgery last week.

Backup left guard Elijah Wilkinson is expected to start at right tackle until Norton can return. Wilkerson started 19 games at right tackle during his time with the Denver Broncos.

On Tuesday, the Falcons traded a conditional seventh-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for offensive tackle Michael Jarrell. The move gives Atlanta much-needed depth on the offensive line. 

However, Penix will need to have extra awareness in the pocket without McGary and Norton protecting him early in the season.