The Falcons believe they have finally found their quarterback of the future with Michael Penix Jr. but they are faced with an important decision that could make or break the former No. 8 overall pick's tenure with the team.
Protecting Penix's blind side just became Atlanta's biggest question heading into the season. With Penix set to start his first full season, the right tackle spot is suddenly the most critical job on the Falcons' roster.
Kaleb McGary who has been the starter since 2019 was supposed to take that responsibility, but a season-ending leg injury landed him on injured reserve.
His backup, Storm Norton, is also sidelined after ankle surgery and will miss six to eight weeks. Suddenly, what looked like a settled position has turned into a high-stakes competition.
Head coach Raheem Morris and offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford now have to sort through several options. Elijah Wilkinson, who replaced McGary in practice once he went down with injury.
Brandon Parker and rookie Jack Nelson are also in the mix for the starting role now. With Wilkinson considered the early favorite. He has NFL experience starting 19 games at right tackle for the Denver Broncos and nine games at left guard for Atlanta in 2022.
The Falcons have also added depth up front, bringing in Michael Jerrell from the Seahawks and signing Carter Warren and Ryan Hayes. Jerrell, who started three games as a rookie last season, has impressed the staff and could quickly push into the rotation.
Atlanta is also considering creative options to help protect Penix. Left guard Matthew Bergeron, who played right tackle at Syracuse, could shift outside if the situation calls for it.
Ledford summed up the situation: "It is about finding the five that gives us the best chance to be the best offense we can be this year."
The Falcons Week 1 matchup against division rival the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is approaching quickly. Whoever wins the job will not just fill in for McGary, they will also be responsible for keeping the blind side of the franchise's future intact.
The pressure is real for whoever ends up winning and taking the position. As the stakes could not be higher for Atlanta's offensive line and the quarterback who depends on it.
For more on the Atlanta Falcons and general NFL news, head to Newsweek Sports
Related Articles
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.