Takk McKinley gets look at defensive end, appears to be rehabbing well

When we heard that Takkarist McKinley was going to be limited during the early portion of training camp, it was fair to assume he might be standing around a lot. That’s the typical fate of those players who are limited in camp, and even if he figured to practice, the Falcons also figured to bring him along slowly

Yet here we are, with the first week of camp not even complete, and Takk is playing defensive end for Atlanta. I’d call that a mighty encouraging sign, even if encouraging signs should be taken with a recommended dose of sodium on the first of August.

I mean, he looks pretty good!

McKinley’s progress is worth watching because of how vital he could be for Atlanta. I’m tempering my expectations for the rookie because first-year pass rushers tend to be less impactful than your biggest hopes and dreams, but if McKinley can emerge early, he could form a devastating tandem with Vic Beasley. That plus a deep rotation along the defensive line would put the Falcons in an excellent position to take a defensive leap forward, particularly with an impressive young group of linebackers and a gifted secondary in the mix.

Let’s hope Takk is ready to go by the third preseason game, and wrecking havoc by the first week of the season.