The News, Now
Key developments on the field and roster move analysis
Right tackle Kaleb McGary signs two-year extension, worth a reported $30 million. The extension will keep McGary in Atlanta through the 2027 season, furthering the notion that Atlanta is keen on keeping its core group of linemen together.
"I'm super grateful for God giving me another opportunity to continue to be here," McGary said. "I've been (here) for so long, so just keep doing what I've been doing. It wasn't something I was super worried about, but I'm certainly not going to complain. It's very cool."
Training camp report, Monday, Aug. 4 — helmets only, Terrin Waack reporting
Jalon Walker feels 'ahead of the game' despite limitations recovering from minor hamstring injury.
A dreary day doesn't slow down Michael Penix Jr., who went 13-of-15 through the air in 11-on-11 work: "It was raining throughout the two-hour practice, which could have easily resulted in some wonky passes or dropped balls. Instead, Penix had one of his best showings of training camp."
Casey Washington's first-team reps increase as the second-year receiver moves into Darnell Mooney's vacated spot.
Training camp report, Tuesday, Aug. 5 — full pads, Terrin Waack reporting
Drake London shines as practice moves indoors, with Waack reporting the wide receiver caught all five of his targets during 11-on-11 work, "which was easily the most among the first team."
For the first time in training camp, the receivers went up against the defensive backs in one-on-one work.
Safety Xavier Watts and edge rusher Jalon Walker participate in individual drills, but coaches pull them back from team work to be cautious as they both work through minor injuries.
Training camp report, Wednesday, Aug. 6 — full pads, team scrimmage, Terrin Waack reporting
Starters and first-team offense and defense takes center stage in first team scrimmage, with the Falcons mimicking a game-like pace and 11-on-11 work throughout the practice's entirety.
"This is their day," Raheem Morris said. "The guys that you plan on not going (Friday), right? You plan on them not going because of what you're going to do today. You're planning on giving them the high-level work, the looks.
"So, let's just talk about Michael Penix, for example. Michael Penix is going to go out there, and he's going to get all the high-level looks, all the protection looks, all the things you can get from a progression standpoint, all the things you can get from a game standpoint. Except for getting hit."
What did we learn throughout the Falcons' team scrimmage? A whole heck of a lot. Tori McElhaney answers exactly what in the Falcons Mailbag.