As if the Falcons’ offensive line wasn’t already thin enough, the team could be without a key player. Matt Gono, who signed a second-round tender earlier in the offseason, will miss an indefinite amount of the 2021 season after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed injury, per Michael Rothstein of ESPN.
According to a source, Falcons OL Matt Gono did have a recent surgery. Source says the injury — which is undisclosed at this point — is not season ending.
Still seeking out more information and will pass it along when I receive it.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) June 17, 2021
Gono, who many slated to start in for the Falcons at left guard, only saw one game in 2020 where he played this position. In his Week 16 matchup against Kansas City, Gono came away with a pass-blocking grade of 18 and allowed for a sack, three QB hits and two hurries. The other four games in which Gono was featured saw him play right tackle in relief of Kaleb McGary.
This season was supposed to be a breakout year for the young offensive lineman, and one that saw an improvement along the offensive line as a unit under Arthur Smith.
The likely players to fill in for Gono at left guard include Matt Hennessy, Jalen Mayfield, Drew Dalman, or any other potential free-agent signings that may come. Trai Turner, Nick Easton, and Dennis Kelly headline the top available free agents for the Falcons to choose from.
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