The Falcons have most of their offensive line returning from last year, but the starting left guard job is still up for grabs.
Veteran James Carpenter has the most experience, which could make him the favorite, but his play on the field wasn’t overly impressive at any point during 2019. Entering 2020, It’s clear that the team is looking hard at both backup tackle Matt Gono and rookie OL Matt Hennessy for the starting left guard role.
On Thursday, the team held its first scrimmage of training camp, and it was Hennessy getting the starting reps with the first-team offense, according to Jason Butt of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Falcons practice is over. Some notes:
Matt Hennessy was at first-team LG for most of the scrimmage. James Carpenter repped there in two-minute, though.
Matt Gono with second-team LT. With Evin K. injured, team is down numbers wise at OT.
Mykal Walker with a nice INT.
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) August 20, 2020
Ideally, Hennessy winning the job would be the best-case scenario for Atlanta this season. All-Pro center Alex Mack could potentially be playing his last year with the team. Starting Hennessy out there between both Mack and left tackle Jake Matthews could give the rookie a big advantage if he takes the field in Week 1.
The Falcons started two rookies — RT Kaleb McGary and RG Chris Lindstrom — in the last season’s disastrous Week 1 loss to the Vikings. Atlanta will hope for better results when the season kicks off against the Seattle Seahawks in a few weeks.
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