{"id":335807,"date":"2025-09-02T13:51:10","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T13:51:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/335807\/"},"modified":"2025-09-02T13:51:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T13:51:10","slug":"raheem-morris-lays-out-plan-at-right-tackle-for-falcons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/335807\/","title":{"rendered":"Raheem Morris lays out plan at right tackle for Falcons"},"content":{"rendered":"

The biggest hole on the Falcons roster right now lies at right tackle. Kaleb McGary<\/a> is out for the season, and backup swing tackle Storm Norton<\/a> is recovering from ankle surgery.<\/p>\n

That leaves Atlanta down to its third option, which could be shuffled around. The Falcons brought in a ton of right tackles with varying levels of experience last week, headlined by the Seahawks Michael Jerrell<\/a>, who was acquired for a conditional seventh round pick. However, in Week 1 against the Bucs, it appears the Falcons will roll with Elijah Wilkinson<\/a>, according to head coach Raheem Morris.<\/p>\n

Raheem Morris said the Falcons feel good about Elijah Wilkinson moving forward in Kaleb McGary, Storm Norton’s absence at right tackle. He’s the guy for Week 1.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) September 1, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Compared to the other options, Elijah Wilkinson does have some pretty lengthy experience. He\u2019s played in 79 games over his eight-year career, 45 of which have been starts.<\/p>\n

Most of that experience came early at right tackle, where he made 20 starts between 2018 and 2021. More recently, Wilkinson has transitioned inside to guard \u2014 a role that better suits his skill set. But with Atlanta\u2019s depth tested and options thin, beggars can\u2019t be choosers.<\/p>\n

Wilkinson is now tasked with the most important job on the entire team: protecting the blindside of first year starting quarterback Michael Penix<\/a> Jr. The hope is that, at the very least, he can hold up in pass protection, an area that wasn\u2019t exactly Kaleb McGary\u2019s strong suit.<\/p>\n

If Wilkinson proves incapable, the Falcons could turn to a number of different faces. The previously mentioned Michael Jerrell could see playing time. The Falcons also signed Carter Warren<\/a> and Ryan Hayes<\/a> to their practice squad, adding to a group of Brandon Parker<\/a> and Jack Nelson.Whoever proves they can hold up in pass protection the best will get the bulk of the playing time until Storm Norton returns, which could be after the team\u2019s Week 5 bye.<\/p>\n

In the end, this won\u2019t fall solely on one lineman. It\u2019s going to require a collective effort, with offensive coordinator Zac Robinson carrying just as much responsibility as the players. His game plans must account for protection breakdowns and put Penix in positions to succeed.<\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

Photographer: Chris Williams<\/a>\/Icon Sportswir<\/p>\n

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