Jalon Walker Avoids Major Injury, Falcons Hope to Field Key Starters vs. Bucs on TNF
The Falcons’ Week 14 trip to Seattle was a game they’ll want to forget - a 37-9 loss where the scoreboard wasn’t the only thing that took a hit. Atlanta saw three key defenders leave the game with injuries: Kaden Elliss, James Pearce Jr., and standout rookie Jalon Walker. While Elliss and Pearce returned to action, Walker wasn’t as fortunate, exiting late in the second quarter with a quad injury and not returning.
But here’s the good news for Falcons fans: it looks like Atlanta dodged a bullet.
Head coach Raheem Morris provided a promising update on Monday, clarifying that Walker’s injury was just a bruise. “Looking forward to him playing this week,” Morris said, signaling that the 21-year-old edge rusher is expected back for Thursday night’s divisional clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
That’s a sigh of relief for a team that’s already been ravaged by injuries this season - and one that’s trying to salvage something from a 4-9 campaign. While the playoffs are off the table, the Falcons still have a chance to play spoiler in the NFC South, and having Walker back on the field could go a long way in that effort.
Walker’s impact can’t be overstated. The former Georgia Bulldog has been a revelation since transitioning from college linebacker to NFL edge rusher.
Through 11 games (seven starts), he’s posted 5.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, seven quarterback hits, and 31 total tackles. Those are impressive numbers for any rookie, let alone one learning a new position on the fly.
He’s also been part of one of the few consistent bright spots in Atlanta’s season - the pass rush. Alongside fellow rookie James Pearce Jr., Walker has helped inject life into Jeff Ulbrich’s defense. Both have looked like legitimate Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates, and their development is one of the clearest signs the Falcons may have something to build on going forward.
Against Seattle, Walker didn’t record any tackles or sacks before leaving the game, but his absence was felt. Arnold Ebiketie and Leonard Floyd stepped in to fill the void, and they’ll likely see increased reps again if Walker is limited or held out against Tampa Bay. Both veterans are playing for their next contracts, so don’t expect a drop in intensity if they’re called upon.
In addition to Walker, Morris also listed wide receiver Drake London and defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus as day-to-day. Their availability for Thursday night remains up in the air, but having all three active would give Atlanta a much-needed boost - and a better shot at handing the Bucs a second straight division loss.
In a season where not much has gone right, the Falcons are clinging to the few positives they have - and Jalon Walker’s health is at the top of that list.