The Atlanta Falcons are preparing for their final preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys on Friday, with several key developments affecting the team this week.
Starting right tackle Kaleb McGary was carted off the field Wednesday with a lower left leg injury. A team spokesperson said McGary would undergo an MRI. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Thursday that McGary will “miss time” due to the injury, but did not provide a specific timeline. Additionally, backup tackle Storm Norton had ankle surgery earlier in the week, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
These injuries have raised questions about the Falcons’ depth at tackle ahead of upcoming roster cuts. Tori McElhaney addressed these concerns in this week’s Falcons Mailbag, noting that the team’s plans remain unclear.
Practices continued through the week as players competed for roster spots. On Tuesday, Natrone Brooks intercepted a pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins during 11-on-11 drills. Edge rusher Jalon Walker participated in individual drills but did not join full-team activities due to a groin injury.
On Wednesday, head coach Raheem Morris announced that neither Jalon Walker nor James Pearce Jr. would play in Friday’s preseason finale. C.J. Henderson stood out by intercepting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. while working with the second-team defense. Injured players Darnell Mooney and Carlos Washington Jr. attended practice in street clothes, while cornerback Keith Taylor saw some first-team reps after missing most of training camp with a hamstring issue.
Earlier in the week, Atlanta signed quarterback Ben DiNucci and edge rusher Ronnie Perkins to bolster its roster.
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Running back Nathan Carter delivered an explosive touchdown run last Friday against Tennessee, stepping up amid Carlos Washington Jr.’s absence due to injury. Wide receiver Casey Washington has also performed well with the first-team offense during Darnell Mooney’s recovery.
Tori McElhaney wrote that injuries to key role players this preseason make decisions about the 53-man roster more complex as teams approach Tuesday’s NFL deadline at 4 p.m. ET to finalize rosters.
The Falcons’ unofficial depth chart is available for review ahead of Friday’s game at AT&T Stadium in Dallas at 8 p.m. ET.
