Falcons Roster Moves: Atlanta Activates Starting Lineman
Kaleb McGary was activated from the PUP list today by the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Arthur Smith had hinted earlier during training camp that McGary's stay on the list likely wouldn't be a long one.
Smith didn't have the same hope for fellow offensive lineman Matt Gano, who could spend an extended period of time off the Falcons roster.
McGary was Atlanta's first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and he has been the starter at right tackle since Day 1. He started 16 games as a rookie and 13 of 14 games in 2020.
McGary's time on the PUP list has given rookie Jalen Mayfield a chance to log time with the first team at right tackle. There is plenty of time for McGary to get his starting spot back before Atlanta's opening game of the season on September 12 against the Eagles, but the first team reps for Mayfield will be valuable regardless.
READ MORE: Rookie Jaylen Mayfield gets 1st Team Chance
The Falcons made another move this morning when they signed veteran running back D'Onta Foreman. The former third-round pick of the Houston Texans rushed for 327 yards as a rookie in 2017 and played in six games for Smith and the Tennessee Titans last year.
READ MORE: Falcons Add Depth by Signing Veteran RB
The running back position, or at least the running game, has been a weakness the past two seasons for the Falcons. Foreman adds to what is shaping up to be a relatively deep and talented running back corps in Atlanta.
READ MORE: Falcons Running Back Rotation getting Deep
Mike Davis was signed as a free agent to be the presumed top running back. He's looked the part during training camp. He's been getting pushed by the emergence of All-Pro kick return, receiver turned running back Cordarrelle Patterson and rookie Javian Hawkins.
READ MORE: Javian Hawkins could be Most Talented RB on Falcons Roster
