Falcons Lose Two Starting Offensive Linemen In First Half Against Chiefs

The Atlanta Falcons (1-2) not only suffered a 22-17 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) on Sunday Night Football at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but they lost a pair of starting offensive linemen in the process.

Falcons center Drew Dalman and right tackle Kaleb McGary each left the game in the second quarter and did not return. After Atlanta's narrow defeat, head coach Raheem Morris addressed the injuries.

"Not sure right now," Morris said. "I know they wanted to (return) if they could, and they weren't able to."

During Atlanta's third offensive possession, McGary suffered a left knee injury on a 3rd and 6 passing play. McGary took a hit to his lower left leg and fell to the turf, where he stayed on his hands and knees while receiving medical attention.

The 29-year-old was helped off the field and barely put any weight on his left leg. He immediately entered the blue medical talent on the sideline before emerging after the drive's conclusion.

In McGary's place, Atlanta turned to swing tackle Storm Norton, who started three games for an injured McGary last season.

Dalman's injury came the first play of the next series. As running back Bijan Robinson gained two yards on a carry to the left, Dalman had his left ankle rolled up on and hobbled to the sideline, where he sat next to McGary. Dalman was quickly surrounded by trainers.

Ryan Neuzil, who worked as the second-string center throughout the entirety of offseason activities, replaced Dalman.

Atlanta's offensive line struggled to keep quarterback Kirk Cousins on his feet, as Cousins was hit 10 times and sacked twice. Morris didn't blame the make-shift group up front for the protection issues on Cousins.

"We won't make excuses about that," Morris said. "We've got a 69-man roster. Love the guys I've got and the guys that went out there and fought for us against whoever. I'll go out there and battle with whoever we've got on our football team."

Morris said he'll have a better feeling for the longevity of Dalman and McGary's injuries in the days to come. The Falcons return to the field at 1 p.m. Sept. 29 against the New Orleans Saints inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Impact On Falcons' Offense

The Falcons' offensive line has been one of the strengths of the team this season, with McGary and Dalman playing crucial roles in the team's success. McGary's absence will be a significant loss for the Falcons, as he is a key piece of the team's run-blocking scheme. Dalman's absence is also concerning, as he is a key part of the team's pass protection.

The Falcons will need to rely on their depth at offensive line to fill the void left by McGary and Dalman. Storm Norton is a capable backup, but he is not as experienced as McGary. Ryan Neuzil is a solid backup, but he is not as talented as Dalman.

The Falcons' offense will need to find a way to adjust to the absence of McGary and Dalman. The team will need to rely on its running game more, as the passing game will be more vulnerable without the protection of the starting offensive line. The team will also need to find a way to give Cousins more time to throw, as he will be under more pressure without his starting offensive linemen.

How Long Will They Be Out?

The severity of McGary and Dalman's injuries is still unknown. The Falcons have not released any information on the length of their absences. However, it is safe to assume that they will be out for at least a few weeks.

The Falcons will need to hope that McGary and Dalman can return soon, as they will be a major part of the team's success moving forward. However, the team will need to find a way to adjust to their absences in the meantime.

What's Next For The Falcons?

The Falcons will need to find a way to overcome the loss of McGary and Dalman. The team will need to rely on its depth at offensive line and find a way to protect Cousins. The team will also need to find a way to make up for the lack of run blocking that McGary provides.