FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary was carted off the practice field with a possible lower left leg injury on Wednesday, giving the team a new challenge as it prepares for Friday night's final preseason game at Dallas.
The Falcons said an update on McGary, a 2019 first-round pick who has started 92 of 93 games, would be provided “at the appropriate time” following an MRI.
If the Falcons are without McGary, they will have to find a new blocker to protect the blind side of left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the 2024 first-round pick who is entering his first full season as the starter.
McGary recently signed a contract extension through the 2027 season.
“It’s very saddening to us, a starting tackle, to lose him like that in practice,” said rookie defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. “You never want that stuff to happen. Ultimately we’ve got his back and we’re going to go out there and fight for him and hopefully he has a speedy recovery.”
Bowman said McGary is “a guy who does all the dirty work for us. He’s a guy who means a lot to a lot of people here and this club.”
The Falcons' latest depth chart listed six-year veteran Brandon Parker and rookie Jack Nelson as McGary's top backups. Veteran Elijah Wilkinson, who has played both tackle and guard in his eight-year career, moved in to replace McGary in Wednesday's practice.
Another backup, Storm Norton, has an undisclosed lower body injury and is not expected to play against Dallas.
McGary's injury came less than an hour after coach Raheem Morris announced plans to hold out most starters against the Cowboys. Morris said Penix and veteran backup Kirk Cousins will not play, meaning neither will have taken a snap in a preseason game, though both saw extended work in last week's joint practices with the Tennessee Titans.
Morris also said the team's two rookie first-round picks, edge rushers James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker, also will be held out.
“It’s not just starters but significant people on the team I don’t need to see things from,” Morris said of players who will be held out against Dallas. “For me it’s about mitigating injury (risk).”
Morris on Wednesday expressed confidence in the team's offensive line depth.
“I've been really pleased with the depth of the offensive line since I’ve been here, just in general,” said Morris, entering his second season as coach. “There are not a lot of places you feel good about not only a two-deep but a two-deep plus as far as our offensive line. We've got people who have played significant snaps for us.”
Morris said Norton's injury has allowed Nelson to receive “a significant amount of work.” Morris also mentioned Wilkinson's versatility and starting experience as a reason for optimism.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris looks onto the field from the sideline during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 15, 2026--
Cargill today announced the maiden voyage of Brave Pioneer, the first of five green methanol dual-fuel dry bulk vessels chartered by the company. The deployment of the Brave Pioneer marks another important milestone in Cargill’s broader decarbonization efforts – one focused on innovation, testing and learning as the company works with customers and partners to refine future-ready solutions for Cargill and the industry.
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Built by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and owned by Mitsui & Co. Ltd., Brave Pioneer is equipped to operate on both conventional marine fuels and green methanol, a lower-carbon alternative. The estimated CO2 saving of using green methanol compared to conventional fuel is up to 70%.
The ship departs the Philippines today, will bunker green methanol in Singapore, then proceed to Western Australia before sailing onward to Europe. Through Brave Pioneer ’s maiden voyage, Cargill will conduct a series of operational trials designed evaluate methanol bunkering readiness, understand how environmental attributes can be traced and verified through carbon accounting systems, and assess market appetite for low-carbon freight services.
“Decarbonising global shipping requires a mix of technologies and the willingness to take bold steps before the entire ecosystem is ready,” said Jan Dieleman, President of Cargill’s Ocean Transportation business. “Technologies like green methanol or wind-assisted propulsion come with uncertainty. But as an industry leader, we have a responsibility to test these innovations on the water, share what we learn, and help shape the systems and standards that will enable wider adoption.”
Setting the Stage for a New Low-Carbon Fleet
The launch of Brave Pioneer paves the way for the four additional vessels that will join Cargill’s fleet over the coming years. The addition of these vessels strengthens Cargill’s multi-solution decarbonization approach, which includes wind-assisted propulsion, voyage optimization technologies, energy-efficiency retrofits and exploration of alternative fuels such as biofuels and ethanol.
Each represents another step in the company’s broader efforts to embed sustainability into global ocean supply chains and support customers looking for practical, lower-carbon freight options.
“We know the road to low carbon shipping will require a mix of solutions and green methanol is one part of that portfolio,” Dieleman continued. “Our new fleet is about optionality and adaptability. These vessels are engineered to perform at a best-in-class level on conventional fuel today, while allowing us to switch to greener fuels as availability improves. It’s a practical way to future-proof ocean transport.”
As one of the world’s largest charterers of dry bulk freight, Cargill’s actions send a strong demand signal to the market and serve as an open invitation for others in the maritime sector to join in advancing the transition to sustainable shipping.
The initiative supports Cargill’s broader effort to reduce supply chain emissions and invest and test practical innovations that advance progress toward a more sustainable global food system. Green methanol-enabled vessels—paired with the eventual expansion of renewable fuel supply—are expected to play a meaningful role in reducing maritime emissions over the coming decade.
About Cargill
Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.
Our 160,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 159 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.
Through Brave Pioneer’s maiden voyage, Cargill will conduct a series of operational trials designed evaluate methanol bunkering readiness, understand how environmental attributes can be traced and verified through carbon accounting systems, and assess market appetite for low-carbon freight services.
The ship departs the Philippines today, will bunker green methanol in Singapore, then proceed to Western Australia before sailing onward to Europe.
Built by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and owned by Mitsui & Co. Ltd., Brave Pioneer is equipped to operate on both conventional marine fuels and green methanol, a lower-carbon alternative.
