Rookie offensive tackle Kaleb McGary is working is way back to the gridiron following a heart procedure completed in the offseason. Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn, meanwhile, updated the first-year player's status after the scary episode.
Per Vaughn McClure in ESPN:
Falcons coach Dan Quinn didn’t put a timetable on a full return, but rookie first-round draft pick Kaleb McGary is working his way back from a heart procedure starting with participation in walkthrough. .. Now, McGary’s going through the return-to-play guidelines, which means easing into individual work. He has not be cleared for full contact and won’t play in Thursday’s preseason game vs. Washington.
Last month McGary, 24, underwent a cardiac ablation procedure. McClure adds that McGary will compete for a spot in the offensive line against Ty Sambrailo, who is also injured with a shoulder hang-up.
The Falcons selected McGary with the 31st overall pick in April's NFL Draft after a standout collegiate career at the University of Washington. The 6-foot-6, 306-pound tackle was a two-time first-team All-Pac 12 member with the Huskies.
After McGary and Sambrailo on the depth chart is Matt Gono and John Wetzel. Jake Matthews—the former first-round pick and last year's Pro-Bowl left tackle—is already slotted at the position. Gono is an undrafted free agent signed by Atlanta last year and Wetzel is a 28-year-old veteran journeyman who signed with the Falcons in April earlier this year.
Quinn, 48, entering his fifth year as head coach of the Falcons, will have his hands full managing the various injuries to Atlanta's critical offensive line.
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