Just when it seemed things were going the Atlanta Falcons' way, a concerning injury update has stalled excitement. Right tackle Kaleb McGary was taken off the field on Wednesday with an injury that isn't quite clear. Atlanta's depth is already terribly in question at the position, making this a huge concern as Week 1 continues to close in.
For McGary, this is an incredibly frustrating setback after just having cashed in on a new two-year extension. Failing to live up to expectations has been a consistent trend for the right tackle, and missing time after being extended unquestionably continues the theme.
Atlanta's obvious priority and concern moving forward is what to do if McGary is going to miss the team. Michael Penix Jr. has an extensive injury history in college, with that being the clear red flag that allowed the Falcons to draft the starter in the first place. Protecting the quarterback in his first full year starting is obviously the biggest franchise priority. Now, there is a real concern as to how this is going to be accomplished with the free agent and trade markets both offering very little in the way of viable starting options.
Falcons offensive tackle Kaleb McGary has been carted off the practice field. Did not see what happened. Too far away.
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) August 20, 2025
Falcons Appear to Lose Key Starter with Alarming Camp Injury
Respected Atlanta Falcons insider Terrin Waak reported that right tackle Kaleb McGary was carted away from practice. Whatever happened was too far away for Waack to see the exact nature of the injury. However, another report from Josh Kendall said it appeared to be a lower leg injury for the newly extended Falcons' starter. Typically, this wouldn't be awfully alarming with Storm Norton being a proven backup.
One, the Falcons don't have the benefit of currently employing as Norton is dealing with an injury of his own. As we close in on the regular season, this is a major red flag for Atlanta. Being carted off the field typically indicates an injury of some severity. McGary has proven to play with an edge and is able to play through a lot of concerns. Having to be taken off the field leads to obvious speculation about the starter's status moving forward.
With this in mind, Falcons fans should turn their attention to free agency and the trade market for potential solutions. If this injury is as bad as it appeared to be, the franchise is going to be forced to quickly find an answer that helps protect Penix as long as McGary is out.