Falcons tackle Gono ruled out for opener vs. Vikings
FLOWERY BRANCH — 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 top 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 said James Carpenter will start at left guard after beating out Jamon Brown. ▶ Star receiver Antonio Brown returned to the Oakland Raiders on Friday after a one-day absence and is set to play the season opener after apologizing following a run-in with general manager Mike Mayock that had put him in jeopardy of being suspended.
Brown addressed the team earlier in a meeting, a day after being sent home from the facility after a confrontation Wednesday at practice with Mayock. Brown had posted a letter earlier Wednesday from Mayock detailing nearly $54,000 in fines for missing a practice and walkthrough.
ESPN reported that the Raiders were planning to suspend Brown over the incident. Teams have the right under the collective bargaining agreement to suspend players up to four games for conduct detrimental to the team.