Kaleb McGary was placed on injured reserve, forcing the Falcons to start veteran Elijah Wilkinson at right tackle. The team also lost center Drew Dalman in free agency and will use Ryan Neuzil, a 2021 undrafted free agent with eight career starts, as the full-time center. Wilkinson has 45 career starts but limited recent experience at right tackle and produced a 46.2 PFF grade after nine starts at left guard in 2023. The Falcons retain Jake Matthews and Chris Lindstrom, but replacing two starters raises concerns about protection and run-blocking stability for Michael Penix Jr.
The Falcons were dealt a significant blow when it became clear they would need to put starting right tackle was McGary's immediate replacement in practice, and Kaleb McGary on injured reserve. Veteran Elijah WilkinsonD. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution confirms Wilkinson will open the season as the club's starting RT. at quarterback, Atlanta's right tackle position is particularly important.
McGary, who With southpaw Michael Penix Jr.recently inked a two-year extension keeping him under club control through 2027, has not earned any Pro Bowl accolades like left tackle Jake Matthews and right guard Chris Lindstrom, but he has established himself as an above-average tackle, particularly in terms of run-blocking. Plus, as Penix enters his first full season as a starter,
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