ON THE FALCONS BEAT
ON THE FALCONS BEAT

PHOTOS: Takkarist McKinley’s Falcons debut

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley (98) reaches for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) in the first half Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017, in Pittsburgh.

Credit: Don Wright

Credit: Don Wright

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley (98) reaches for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) in the first half Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017, in Pittsburgh.
By
Aug 20, 2017

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.

ExploreMcKinley gave the Falcons’ pass rush a boost.
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

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

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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