The Atlanta Falcons have been hit with a huge blow ahead of the 2026 NFL season as tests reveal that linebacker Jalon Walker tore the ACL in his left knee during training camp
And he will be out for the whole 2026 campaign.
Source: Tests confirmed an ACL tear for Falcons’ Jalon Walker.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 5, 2026
Walker got hurt during an 11-on-11, two-minute workout on Tuesday. The second-year defender went down without contact and stayed on the field as trainers responded to him.
In an emotional scene, Walker was taken out while teammates gathered around him and practice was called short. Medical testing later verified initial worries of an ACL tear.
Walker’s absence this season will be a big blow to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s plans, with the Falcons likely to turn to veterans Samson Ebukam and Azeez Ojulari, while seeking more pass-rushing help before the regular season.
Atlanta has already been said to be monitoring the edge-rusher market, and Walker’s season-ending injury will only heighten that hunt.
Walker will have surgery and begin rehab, with hopes of a comeback in the 2027 season
