The Atlanta Falcons spent their 2025 and 2026 first-round picks in an effort to give the pass rush a higher ceiling this season. James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker join free agent signing Leonard Floyd in an effort to make the Falcons a capable defense for the first time in recent memory. With A.J. Terrell and Jessie Bates anchoring the secondary, Atlanta has the needed pieces to make drastic improvements.
However, early progress was slowed with the news that Jalon Walker was being held out due to a hamstring issue. Head coach Raheem Morris has stressed that it was very minor, and Walker wanted to be back on the field.
That has happened this week with Walker being able to return to the field and hoping to get in on preseason action. Still, it was frustrating for Atlanta fans who were getting increasingly excited for the rookie. Walker was performing at an incredibly high level in camp, impressing Morris and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. The remaining concern is whether injuries at Georgia and early camp injuries are an indication of things to come. There is zero concern when it comes to the rookie's actual performance.
Falcons Fans Should Have Some Injury Concerns for Rookie Jalon Walker
If Walker can stay on the field, the impact and defensive improvements are going to be there. All of the early concerns are based on the rookie missing a week before game reps have even begun. One can easily argue the Falcons shouldn't play star rookies in the next two weeks, protecting reps for when they matter most. Regardless, fans are now paying closer attention to the rookie.
For Atlanta's defense to turn around as expected, both Pearce and Walker must stay healthy and have an instant impact. The duo isn't the only rookies expected to step into the starting lineup, with Xavier Watts expected to start opposite Bates. The trio of rookies represents the most exciting rookie class the Falcons have added in recent memory. Walker headlines the group and gave reason for excitement before early injury concerns arrived.
While there is still every reason for excitement, the Falcons must be very careful in the next weeks. If there is any level of concern, it could be an ongoing issue. Walker shouldn't be played in the preseason or allowed to take padded practice reps. Atlanta fans will be keeping a close eye on the situation with every reason for concern about the key defender's health.