There has been a lot of “gamesmanship” as Dan Quinn called it leading up to a week one matchup with the Vikings. The Falcons hadn’t announced who was starting at left guard or what the plan was at right tackle – until today. Quinn named James Carpenter the starter at left guard. He also said that both Kaleb McGary and Ty Sambrailo will play on Sunday with Matt Gono officially ruled out with a back injury but would not name a starter.
Ty Sambrailo and Kaleb McGary will both play at right tackle on Sunday. #Falcons
— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) September 6, 2019
James Carpenter will start at left guard. #Falcons
— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) September 6, 2019
Considering the initial depth chart for week one listed “Kaleb McGary or Matt Gono” as the first-string right tackle, I’d expect McGary to receive the start. Because the rookie was held out for three weeks following a heart procedure, his conditioning will not allow him to play 100% of the snaps. It could be a situation where they swap series to keep McGary fresh, or they could sub in Sambrailo at specific times when the McGary needs a breather.