Despite much hand-wringing and debate about the Falcons’ left guard position this preseason, the competition seems essentially decided by a technicality.
It was reported the Wednesday after roster cuts that left guard Josh Andrews, the expected starter, was being placed on injured reserve due to a broken hand. None of the challengers in the left guard competition appeared to have done enough to take the No. 1 spot, but this injury requires someone to be the proverbial next man up.
As of now, it would appear that person is rookie Jalen Mayfield, who the Falcons selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.