The Atlanta Falcons concluded their final full preseason practice on Wednesday at IBM Performance Field, with attention focused on injuries and roster decisions ahead of the last exhibition game.
Starting right tackle Kaleb McGary was carted off the field after sustaining a leg injury during drills. According to a team spokesperson, McGary will undergo an MRI, and further updates are expected. In his absence, Elijah Wilkinson took over first-team reps as Storm Norton remains sidelined with a lower-body injury.
Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III also left practice early but walked off under his own power. He had previously missed Monday’s session due to illness. No details were provided regarding his condition following Wednesday’s departure.
Cornerback C.J. Henderson stood out in practice by intercepting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. during an 11-on-11 period while working with the second-team defense. Henderson, who joined the Falcons last Thursday and made his practice debut earlier this week, commented on his performance: “I hope to keep building from that, but it felt good.”
Defensive back Billy Bowman Jr., when asked about making the 53-man roster before Tuesday’s NFL cutdown deadline, said: “That’s not up to me, but I’m going to make it undoubtedly known to myself and my peers where 33 stands.”
Other notable observations included wide receiver Casey Washington making a diving catch along the sideline from Penix Jr., Drake London securing a contested catch in traffic, and David Sills V catching a touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins.
Several players remained sidelined or limited due to injuries: Darnell Mooney (shoulder), KhaDarel Hodge (“tightness”), Clark Phillips III (rib), Carlos Washington Jr. (hamstring), Malik Verdon (Non-Football Injury list), Troy Andersen (Physically Unable to Perform list), Storm Norton (lower body), and Ta’Quon Graham (calf). Both Mooney and Washington Jr. attended practice in street clothes.
Edge rusher Khalid Kareem returned to full participation after missing time with a groin injury, while Jalon Walker increased his workload but will not play in Friday’s preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Head coach Raheem Morris also confirmed that edge rusher James Pearce Jr., who played in the first two preseason games, will be inactive for Friday’s contest. Morris stated: “I’m really pleased with what he’s been able to do in the preseason.”
Safety DeMarcco Hellams wore a yellow non-contact pinnie for precautionary reasons related to typical preseason physicality; head coach Morris indicated there is no cause for concern.
On special teams, kicker Younghoe Koo converted all four of his field-goal attempts while rookie Lenny Krieg missed two of four tries. Jamal Agnew and Elijah Dotson handled kickoff return duties during special teams periods.
The Falcons are set for their third and final preseason matchup against Dallas on Friday at 8 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium. The regular season opener is scheduled for September 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which can be found on their full schedule page.
