Rookie defensive end Takkarist McKinley, this year’s first-round pick, made his debut for the Falcons in the second quarter against the Steelers on Sunday at Heinz Field.

McKinley, who was the 26th player taken in the NFL draft, has recovered from a surgically repaired right shoulder. He didn’t register a sack in the first half of action rushing from right defensive end.

He played 10 plays on defense and five on special teams and had a quarterback hit.

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley (98) warms up before of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)

Credit: Don Wright

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Credit: Don Wright

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley (98) warms up before of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)

Credit: Don Wright

icon to expand image

Credit: Don Wright

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley (98) warms up before of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)

Credit: Don Wright

icon to expand image

Credit: Don Wright

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley (98) warms up before of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)

Credit: Don Wright

icon to expand image

Credit: Don Wright

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley (98) warms up before of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)

Credit: Don Wright

icon to expand image

Credit: Don Wright

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