FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons first-round pick Kaleb McGary underwent a surgical procedure Wednesday to correct heart rhythm problems, a recurrence of the condition that plagued the offensive tackle in high school and college.
The Falcons described the cardiac ablation procedure as minimally invasive and similar to two previous procedures McGary underwent during his playing career. It’s not known how much time he will miss, but McGary sat out about six weeks after it was performed while he was playing at the University of Washington.
McGary was first stricken with the heart arrhythmia problem during his high school career. He left practice Tuesday with what was described as an illness.
The Falcons traded up during the draft to acquire the 6-foot-7, 317-pound McGary with the 31st pick in the first round, looking to pair him with 14th overall pick Chris Lindstrom in an overhaul of the offensive line.
Atlanta will open the preseason Thursday night against the Denver Broncos in the Hall of Fame game at Canton, Ohio.
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