Could the Falcons get creative in their attempt to protect Michael Penix?

The feeling of excitement surrounding the Falcons has subsided a bit over the last week and been replaced with concern for the safety of Michael Penix Jr.

Right tackle Kaleb McGary has been ruled out for the season after suffering an injury in practice last week, and backup swing tackle Storm Norton is also out for a significant amount of time after undergoing ankle surgery. That leaves Atlanta down to their third string right tackle going into Week 1, the position that is responsible for protecting the blindside of their first year starting quarterback.

The Falcons attempted to remedy the situation with a couple of additions through the waiver wire and a trade, but starting caliber right tackles simply aren’t available at this point in the offseason, which could force the team to get creative.

One idea that has been floated by Raheem Morris is reshuffling the offensive line, mentioning left guard Matthew Bergeron as an option.

Raheem Morris said Matthew Bergeron is someone the Falcons have considered at right tackle. Said the team has worked him there.

— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 28, 2025

Since being drafted in the second-round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Bergeron has started in 34 straight games at left guard for the Falcons, establishing himself as a pillar of the offensive line. Moving him to right tackle would not be ideal, but he did play left tackle in college, and the Falcons are desperate.

There are no two ways about it. Perhaps a guy like Elijah Wilkinson steps up, that’s likely what the team will try first. But if he can’t get the job done, the Falcons will have no choice but to get creative in masking what’s quickly become the biggest hole on the roster.

Regardless, it must be an all-hands-on-deck approach. Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has to come up with a game-plan that focuses on running the ball and getting passes out quickly. Guys like Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, Bijan Robinson, and Tyler Allgeier will have to do a little more in pass protection. But most importantly, Michael Penix has to be aware of the situation and protect himself.

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Photo: Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire

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