The Atlanta Falcons were defeated in their Sunday night matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs and lost two starting offensive linemen in the process. Right tackle Kaleb McGary went down with a knee injury before center Drew Dalman left the game after injuring his ankle in the second quarter.
Neither player returned on Sunday and according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Falcons could be without both players for a little while. McGary is believed to have suffered an MCL sprain but will have an MRI to confirm. Rapoport said Dalman has a high-ankle sprain but also needs an MRI.
It sounds like both players will be out a few weeks at a minimum but have a chance to return this season. Dalman could land on the injured reserve list with a return designation. McGary’s status is a little more uncertain but we’ll have to wait and see what the team says.
More #Falcons O-line news: Center Drew Dalman suffered a high-ankle sprain in the loss to the #Chiefs and is undergoing an MRI. He's expected to miss time and IR/designated to return is possible. But the MRI will tell the full story. https://t.co/uC86j3iEUU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2024
The Falcons have stayed relatively healthy through the first three weeks of the season but last night’s injuries proved costly. The team was in position to upset the favored Chiefs on national television but couldn’t convert on two key fourth-down attempts in the fourth quarter.
Kansas City’s defensive line was too much to overcome and Atlanta simply couldn’t block the Chiefs for much of the game. Bijan Robinson had a quiet day as there was little running room. However, the Falcons offense got off to a promising start and seems to be trending in the right direction.
Hopefully, this setback along the offensive line doesn’t hurt the team too much. Storm Norton will be the starter at right tackle and Ryan Neuzil will take over at center until McGary and Dalman return.
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