Falcons Starter Sidelined by Mysterious Injury as Minicamp Begins

Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo (6) celebrates with  offensive tackle Kaleb McGary (76) after kicking the game-winning extra point late in the 4th quarter of win against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo (6) celebrates with offensive tackle Kaleb McGary (76) after kicking the game-winning extra point late in the 4th quarter of win against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons hosted their first of two mandatory minicamp practices on Tuesday. While the Falcons had good attendance during voluntary workouts, a few key offensive starters were missing due to injuries. Therefore, keeping track of the players who are participating in minicamp is important.

That said, multiple of those starters, including an offensive lineman, didn't participate in the first day of minicamp. According to Tori McElhaney, senior reporter for the Atlanta Falcons, right tackle Kaleb McGary is dealing with an undisclosed injury, which is why he sat out OTAs. She added the Falcons are being "Cautious" with the injury similar to Kyle Pitts, according to head coach Raheem Morris.

Kaleb McGary Sidelined With Undisclosed Injury

While it has yet to be confirmed if McGary practiced Tuesday, it's safe to assume he wasn't on the field if they are being cautious with him. Given that McGary is a seven-year veteran, his absence due to injury isn't a huge deal. However, it would be nice if he could be on the field getting reps with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Penix started the final three games of the season in 2024, so the 30-year-old right tackle already has an idea of how he plays. Despite that, being available during the entire offseason program could have helped build more cohesion between the two.

Even so, as long as McGary is healthy for training camp, the two can build on their on-field chemistry during that time. Last season was McGary's worst performance in the past three years. In 2024, he allowed six sacks, 10 QB hits, 16 QB hurries, and 32 QB pressures. Moreover, he finished the year with a 63.8 grade in pass blocking, a 77.6 grade in run blocking and a 73.8 overall grade, according to PFF.

That type of performance protecting Penix in 2025 won't cut it. However, given that Penix is a bit more mobile than Kirk Cousins was last year, McGary shouldn't have as bad of a season as he did in 2024.

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