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Falcons Reveal Lengthy Injury Report vs. Panthers as McGary, Street Ruled OUT

Originally posted on FanNation Falcon Report
By Daniel Flick | Last updated 12/15/23

The Atlanta Falcons (6-7) will be without a pair of contributors and could be down several more for Sunday's NFC South showdown with the Carolina Panthers (1-12).

Falcons coach Arthur Smith announced in his press conference Friday that right tackle Kaleb McGary (knee) and defensive tackle Kentavius Street (pectoral) will both be out Sunday.

McGary missed last Sunday's 29-25 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was replaced by Storm Norton, who Smith said earlier this week "continues to play well for us."

Street suffered his injury against the Buccaneers, and Smith is uncertain whether he'll return this season.

The Falcons acquired Street via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles this October, and he was coming on strong prior to this setback, logging one sack and two tackles for loss in his previous two games.

Atlanta has an extensive list of players questionable for Sunday, starting on the offensive line, as right guard Chris Lindstrom (ankle), left tackle Jake Matthews (knee) and center Drew Dalman (ankle) are all in wait-and-see territory.

Defensively, the Falcons have tabbed defensive tackle David Onyemata (ankle), linebacker Nate Landman (knee) and outside linebacker Bud Dupree (back) as questionable. Defensive tackle LaCale London (knee), who's currently on injured reserve, is also questionable.

Each of Atlanta's six questionable starters - Lindstrom, Matthews, Dalman, Onyemata, Landman and Dupree - were limited participants in practice Friday.

During the week, Smith expressed optimism in Lindstrom and Matthews' status, perhaps sparked by Lindstrom finishing last week's loss on the field and Matthews being available if needed.

The Falcons' offensive line spent the entire second half against Tampa Bay down three starters and began slow, recording four consecutive three-and-outs but rebounding strong in the fourth quarter with 203 yards over the final three drives.

If needed, Ryan Neuzil will replace Dalman, Kyle Hinton will fill in for Lindstrom and Tyler Vrabel will take over for Matthews.

Defensively, Andre Smith Jr. "did a good job" as Landman's replacement against the Buccaneers, Smith said, and would get the nod again.

Should Onyemata be unable to play, the trio of Ta'Quon Graham, Travis Bell and Albert Huggins could see more action inside.

Dupree's absence would lead to slightly increased snaps for Lorenzo Carter and Arnold Ebiketie, while second-year pro DeAngelo Malone would have a chance to see his first defensive action this season.

The Falcons and Panthers are set to kick off at 1 p.m. EST Sunday inside Bank of America Stadium.

This article first appeared on FanNation Falcon Report and was syndicated with permission.

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