FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary was carted off the practice field with a possible lower left leg injury on Wednesday, giving the team a new challenge as it prepares for Friday night's final preseason game at Dallas.
The Falcons provided no immediate update on the status of McGary, a 2019 first-round pick who has started 92 of 93 games.
If the Falcons are without McGary, they will have to find a new blocker to protect the blind side of left-handed quarterback Michael
Penix Jr., the 2024 first-round pick who is entering his first full season as the starter.
McGary recently signed a contract extension through the 2027 season.
The Falcons' latest depth chart listed six-year veteran Brandon Parker and rookie Jack Nelson as McGary's top backups. Veteran Elijah Wilkinson, who has played both tackle and guard in his eight-year career, moved in to replace McGary in Wednesday's practice.
Another backup, Storm Norton, has an undisclosed lower body injury and is not expected to play against Dallas.
McGary's injury came less than an hour after coach Raheem Morris announced plans to hold out most starters against the Cowboys. Morris said Penix and veteran backup Kirk Cousins will not play, meaning neither will have taken a snap in a preseason game, though both saw extended work in last week's joint practices with the Tennessee Titans.
Morris also said the team's two rookie first-round picks, edge rushers James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker, also will be held out.
Morris on Wednesday expressed confidence in the team's offensive line depth.
“I've been really pleased with the depth of the offensive line since I’ve been here,” said Morris, entering his second season as coach. Morris said he was confident in the depth extending past the top backups.
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