A month ago, Kaleb McGary starting at right tackle in week one seemed far-fetched. A heart procedure was supposed to keep him out about 6-8 weeks, but McGary progressed much quicker than expected and was even able to compete in the Falcons final preseason game against the Jaguars.
He admitted following the contest that he was a bit winded after playing just 41 snaps. That should come as no surprise for a big fella that was out of commission for a few weeks. However, the Falcons are thinking about naming him the starting right tackle for their opening matchup against the Vikings.
According to Atlanta’s official depth chart, “Kaleb McGary or Matt Gano” is listed as the first-string right tackle. If I had to guess, both players will be playing because McGary isn’t quite ready to handle a full load. Dan Quinn chimed in on that today at his press conference, stating, “they will gauge Kaleb McGary’s conditioning level over the next three days to see if he’s ready for a full game,” according to Kelsey Conway of the team’s official site.
They #Falcons will gauge Kaleb McGary’s conditioning level over the next 3 days to see if he’s ready for a full game. #Falcons
— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) September 4, 2019
I’d still lean toward Gano seeing the field as well this Sunday, but most notably, it seems evident the team has decided Kaleb McGary is the best option at right tackle. Signing Ty Sambrailo to a three-year extension puzzled me this offseason, and he’s fallen to third on the depth chart.
Other news of note from Dan Quinn: The Falcons have also not named a starter at left guard. It will be either Jamon Brown or James Carpenter, and Quinn referred to it as a bit of “gamesmanship” as to why he has yet to name a starter.
The Falcons head man also said they can’t celebrate yet on a Julio Jones contract extension but that the star wide receiver hasn’t let it affect the team all offseason.
Dan Quinn said Julio Jones has not let the contract negotiations become a distraction, speaks to the type of player and person he is. #ATLvsMIN
— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) September 4, 2019