After learning that Atlanta Falcons starting right tackle Kaleb McGary will miss regular season time after suffering an apparent lower leg injury in practice on Wednesday the new question has become should new starting right tackle Elijah Wilkinson start in the Falcons’ preseason finale tonight against the Dallas Cowboys.
Well, earlier today former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and now analyst for the Atlanta Falcons Radio Network Dave Archer joined The Morning Shift and explained why he thinks Wilkinson should and will play in the Falcons’ preseason finale tonight.
“I think he plays. I think he has to play. I think you gotta continue to get him some snaps.” Archer said
Earlier in the show former Atlanta Falcons’ offensive lineman and now one of the hosts of The Morning Shift Mike Johnson also said he thinks it would be worth it for Wilkinson to play.
“I think the cost-effectiveness of it actually makes sense”. Mike said. Mike finished his thought by saying “I think he needs every rep he can get. I don't think you can honestly afford to take a day off with opening day just a couple of weeks away.”
Up until Kaleb McGary got hurt rookie Jack Nelson was taking all of the second team reps at right tackle because the Falcons’ swing tackle Storm Norton was already out, and Wilkinson was working mainly at left tackle, but now that McGary and Norton will both miss regular season time and Wilkinson is the next guy up he needs to get as many reps at right tackle as possible including live game reps, and the only opportunity he’ll have to get those before week one is tonight in the preseason finale against the Cowboys, so even though there is a definite injury risk it’ll be well worth it if the game reps he gets tonight helps him be ready to play at his best in week one.