While most of the projected starters will not play, Falcons coach Dan Quinn is planning to play right tackle Kaleb McGary in the exhibition season finale against Jacksonville at 7 p.m. Thursday at TIAA Field.
“I’m planning on Kaleb playing unless I hear different (from the doctors),” Quinn said after practice on Tuesday. “He had an awesome week. I know that he’s excited. I’m excited to see him go, too. He’s really worked hard to get back and get going. When a guy hits all of the spots, you want to let him do his thing. We’re hopeful that’s the case.”
McGary, the second of the Falcons’ first-round draft picks, had a cardiac heart ablation procedure on July 31 after getting ill in practice on July 30. He returned to full practice on Sunday. He has not played a snap in the exhibition season.
Before the procedure, McGary was receiving about 50 percent of the snaps with the first-team offense at right tackle. He was competing against Ty Sambrailo for the starting position. With McGary and Sambrailo (shoulder injury) out last game, former undrafted rookie Matt Gono started at right tackle against the Redskins.
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