FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons are still adjusting to the jarring loss of right tackle Kaleb McGary for the season to a lower left leg injury that could hurt the team's running game while also complicating pass protection for left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

Coach Raheem Morris said before Thursday's practice that players who practiced through training camp and played in the preseason, including veteran Elijah Wilkinson, are leading the competition to replace McGary in next week's opening game against Tampa Bay.

When asked after Thursday's practice if he's the first choice to replace McGary, Wilkinson said, “That's the way it looks to me. That's the way we've been working in practice.”

Michael Jerrell , acquired from Seattle on Tuesday, provides an option at

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