"Falcons center Todd McClure had surgery on his right knee Monday morning, putting his franchise-record streak of 144 consecutive starts in jeopardy.

"We don't know the exact time frame of him coming back," coach Mike Smith said. "It was a very minor procedure. ... I haven't had an opportunity to talk to Todd or the doctors yet but we will be able to update that next week.

"We will make a determination [if he can play in the season-opener] as we get closer to it next week. The first few days, as I understand it, will be very critical in terms of when he can come back.""