The Falcons face a challenging situation as starting right tackle Kaleb McGary is sidelined with a leg injury, compounding their offensive line woes.

Why it matters: McGary's absence could significantly impact the Falcons' offensive productivity and protection schemes as they prepare for their upcoming preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys.

• McGary, entering his seventh season, has been a pivotal figure on the offensive line since being drafted in the first round of 2019.
• His recent contract extension worth $30 million underscores his value to the team.

What’s new: McGary was carted off the field during practice, leading to an MRI to determine the extent of his injury.

• A team spokesperson confirmed that "he's out," but further details regarding the timeline for his recovery remain pending.
• Notably, he was not fitted with an air cast, which may indicate a less severe injury than initially feared.

Yes, but: The situation is further complicated by the injury to backup right tackle Storm Norton, who recently underwent ankle surgery and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

• With both McGary and Norton unavailable, the Falcons are experiencing a depth crisis on their offensive line just before the regular season begins.

What to watch: Elijah Wilkinson has stepped in as a replacement at right tackle, bringing experience from his time as a starter last season.

• Wilkinson started seven games at left guard for the Falcons in 2022, showcasing his versatility but may need time to adjust to the right tackle position.
• The effectiveness of Wilkinson in this role will be crucial against a strong defensive front like that of the Cowboys.

The bottom line: As the Falcons prepare for their preseason matchup, the injuries on the offensive line could hinder their offensive strategy, particularly in establishing a running game and protecting the quarterback.

• The team's ability to quickly adapt and find solutions will be essential as they aim to build momentum heading into the regular season.

Zoom In: The Falcons health and performance along the offensive line will be critical in implementing their wide-zone scheme effectively, which relies heavily on strong lateral movement and quick decision-making from the offensive linemen.

• They will need to communicate well and execute consistently to maintain their offensive rhythm despite these setbacks.

The Falcons face a challenging situation as starting right tackle Kaleb McGary is sidelined with a leg injury, compounding their offensive line woes.

Why it matters: McGary's absence could significantly impact the Falcons' offensive productivity and protection schemes as they prepare for their upcoming preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys.

• McGary, entering his seventh season, has been a pivotal figure on the offensive line since being drafted in the first round of 2019.
• His recent contract extension worth $30 million underscores his value to the team.

What’s new: McGary was carted off the field during practice, leading to an MRI to determine the extent of his injury.

• A team spokesperson confirmed that "he's out," but further details regarding the timeline for his recovery remain pending.
• Notably, he was not fitted with an air cast, which may indicate a less severe injury than initially feared.

Yes, but: The situation is further complicated by the injury to backup right tackle Storm Norton, who recently underwent ankle surgery and is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

• With both McGary and Norton unavailable, the Falcons are experiencing a depth crisis on their offensive line just before the regular season begins.

What to watch: Elijah Wilkinson has stepped in as a replacement at right tackle, bringing experience from his time as a starter last season.

• Wilkinson started seven games at left guard for the Falcons in 2022, showcasing his versatility but may need time to adjust to the right tackle position.
• The effectiveness of Wilkinson in this role will be crucial against a strong defensive front like that of the Cowboys.

The bottom line: As the Falcons prepare for their preseason matchup, the injuries on the offensive line could hinder their offensive strategy, particularly in establishing a running game and protecting the quarterback.

• The team's ability to quickly adapt and find solutions will be essential as they aim to build momentum heading into the regular season.

Zoom In: The Falcons health and performance along the offensive line will be critical in implementing their wide-zone scheme effectively, which relies heavily on strong lateral movement and quick decision-making from the offensive linemen.

• They will need to communicate well and execute consistently to maintain their offensive rhythm despite these setbacks.