FILE - In this May 10, 2019, file photo, Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Kaleb McGary speaks to the media after NFL football rookie camp in Flowery Branch, Ga. The Falcons' offensive line remains a work in progress. Having rookie first-round pick Kaleb McGary again cleared for contact following a heart procedure may help. (AP Photo/Tami Chappell, File)
The Associated Press
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - The Atlanta Falcons will be without offensive tackle Matt Gono for Sunday's season opener at Minnesota because of a back injury.
Gono was battling with rookie Kaleb McGary for the starting job at right tackle. Now, the Falcons intend to go with both McGary and Ty Sambrailo at that position.
Gono was ruled out Friday by coach Dan Quinn after missing the last two days of practice.
McGary missed most of the preseason after undergoing a heart procedure. The No. 31 overall pick made his debut in the final exhibition game but conceded that he's not in top game condition.
Sambrailo was set to back up Jake Matthews at left tackle. He'll shift to the right side while Gono is out. Rounding out the line, Quinn says James Carpenter will start at left guard after beating out Jamon Brown.
Quinn also says negotiations continue with receiver Julio Jones on a new contract and that he's confident a deal will be reached before the opener.
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Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison (32) celebrates his 9-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars with offensive tackle Kaleb McGary (76) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this July 23, 2019, file photo, Atlanta Falcons rookie offensive tackle Kaleb McGary (76) is shown during their NFL training camp football practice in Flowery Branch, Ga. The Falcons' offensive line remains a work in progress. Having rookie first-round pick Kaleb McGary again cleared for contact following a heart procedure may help. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this July 25, 2019, file photo, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs after a catch during their NFL training camp football practice in Flowery Branch, Ga. For Julio Jones, it's just business as usual _ even as he closes in on a huge new contract with the Atlanta Falcons. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
The Associated Press