The Falcons disclosed an extensive list of injuries ahead of their game against the Panthers, with McGary and Street confirmed as unavailable.
The Atlanta Falcons, standing at 6-7, will be missing two key players and might have several others sidelined for their upcoming NFC South match against the Carolina Panthers, who are currently at 1-12.
During Friday’s press conference, Falcons coach Arthur Smith confirmed that right tackle Kaleb McGary (knee) and defensive tackle Kentavius Street (pectoral) will be absent for Sunday’s game. McGary was absent in the last game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Storm Norton stepped in for him, continuing to perform well, as noted by Smith earlier in the week.
Street sustained his injury in the Buccaneers game, and Smith expressed uncertainty regarding his return this season. Street had been displaying strong performances, contributing with one sack and two tackles for loss in his last two games since joining the team in October via a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Falcons have a considerable list of players listed as questionable for Sunday. On the offensive line, Chris Lindstrom (ankle), Jake Matthews (knee), and Drew Dalman (ankle) are all uncertain for the game. Defensively, David Onyemata (ankle), Nate Landman (knee), Bud Dupree (back), and LaCale London (knee) (who’s currently on injured reserve) are also questionable. All six of these players were limited in practice on Friday.
Smith seemed hopeful about Lindstrom and Matthews potentially playing, especially given Lindstrom’s completion of last week’s game despite injury and Matthews being available if needed.
In the previous game against the Buccaneers, the Falcons’ offensive line struggled after losing three starters but rebounded strongly in the fourth quarter, amassing 203 yards in the final three drives.
If necessary, Ryan Neuzil, Kyle Hinton, and Tyler Vrabel are slated to step in for Dalman, Lindstrom, and Matthews, respectively. Defensively, Andre Smith Jr. is likely to continue in Landman’s place, and potential adjustments in the absence of Onyemata and Dupree might involve Ta’Quon Graham, Travis Bell, Albert Huggins, Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, and possibly DeAngelo Malone.
The game between the Falcons and the Panthers is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.