Kaleb McGary injury update: Falcons OT carted off practice field

Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary was carted off the field during Wednesday’s practice. According to Marc Raimondi of ESPN, McGary suffered a left leg injury.

McGary’s left leg was not in an air cast, Raimondi reported. McGary, 30, was coming back from having bone spurs in his left ankle that required him to get a scope done in the offseason. He missed OTAs and minicamp due to the injury but returned as a full participant in training camp.

The depth behind McGary is thin. Backup swing tackle Storm Norton has not practiced throughout the majority of training camp with a lower body injury. Atlanta does not expect him to be available to play in Friday’s preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys.

Other than quarterback Michael Penix Jr., McGary might be the most important player on Atlanta’s offense. Yes, running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London are two of the best at their respective positions, but McGary is one of two right tackles in the NFL who protect the quarterback’s blind side.

Falcons awaiting news on Kaleb McGary

McGary has been a stalwart on the Falcons’ offensive line since entering the league in 2019 as a first-round pick out of Washington. He has started 92 games, surrendering 42 sacks and allowing 188 pressures, per Pro Football Focus.

“In modern offenses, a quarterback is going to turn a lot when he’s reading the field,” McGary said earlier this offseason. “There’s not really a blind side. Because at some point, his back is going to be to each side pretty much no matter what. … Still just trying not to give up a sack ever.”

The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder is far better known for his run-blocking prowess. He earned a career-high 91.6 run-blocking grade in 2022, the same year the Falcons had the league’s No. 3 ranked rushing attack. Atlanta signed McGary to a two-year extension worth $30 million earlier this month.