Falcons' McGary placed on season-ending IR with leg injury

The Atlanta Falcons placed offensive tackle Kaleb McGary on season-ending injured reserve with a leg injury, the team announced Tuesday.

McGary suffered the injury at practice last Wednesday. He was carted off and didn't return to the field.

The 30-year-old has been Atlanta's primary starting right tackle since he entered the league as a first-round pick in 2019. McGary signed a two-year, $30-million extension in early August to avoid hitting free agency at the end of the 2025 campaign.

McGary was expected to be the blind side protector for left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Now, Elijah Wilkinson is projected to fill in at right tackle. The 30-year-old Wilkinson is entering his ninth NFL season and has made 45 starts during his career.

Atlanta kicks off its season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 7.