Falcoholinks: All the Falcons news you need for Thursday, Aug. 21

101 ways to lose against Washington

Yes, I’m being sarcastic in that header, but it’s still pretty impressive that the Atlanta Falcons are actually looking to avoid going 0-12 in the preseason tonight. The galaxy brain burn-it-all-down takes in the wake of the Falcons’ first three* preseason losses this season have me questioning my hyperbole radar, but there’s a very real contingent that would like to set the franchise ablaze because of the result of these games.

A gentle reminder that preseason records do not matter, but the team’s performance in individual aspects of these games just may. These exhibition match-ups are a time for working out the kinks, giving guys on the bubble some run, experimenting, and knocking the rust off.

So with that, the Falcons are poised to take on Washington tonight, and while the third preseason game is traditionally when the starters get the most run, will that hold true considering it’s the fourth game the Falcons have played? Last week Matt Ryan was in for nearly a full half (and under duress the entire time), so it’s entirely plausible that the typical formula is flipped in this one.

Enjoy watching the Falcons tonight!

Injury updates

The injury bug has a taste for Atlanta, and that’s carried over a bit from last season. Last week we saw a trio of Damontae Kazee, Russell Gage, and Kendall Sheffield all leave the game against the Jets as a result of injury, and the Falcons have had a handful of guys on the shelf for a couple of weeks. The good news is that a couple of them are heading back and should suit up against Washington.

Ty Sambrailo is another aching Falcon, and he has been ruled out of tonight’s game. Dan Quinn has had some praise for his backup, undrafted tackle Matt Gono, so expect to see him on the right side this evening.

McGary on the mend

We’ve all been understandably concerned with the status of Kaleb McGary after he underwent a cardiac ablation procedure, but we received some positive news this week: the Falcons first-rounder has returned to individual drills in practice. Absolutely great to hear.

It goes without saying that heart issues are something you don’t mess around with, so we’re ecstatic that Kaleb’s recovery appears to be going well. The Falcons are going to take their time with him, so he still has no firm timetable for return.

A case of the Tavecchios

We were spoiled by Matt Bryant’s excellence; that much is clear. His successor, Giorgio Tavecchio, was outstanding last season, but has had somewhat of a rough go so far in the preseason. He’s missed four field goals through three games, and while that has some people questioning the decision to move on from Bryant, DQ seems keen to stick with his guy — for now.

Again: We’ve been spoiled, and the volatility of kickers is part-and-parcel in the NFL. Tavecchio has got the leg, and showed last season why the Falcons were confident in making him their full-time kicker. Patience is the best advice here; well, until it’s obvious it’s unwarranted.