After an exciting 2025 offseason, Atlanta Falcons fans have reason for a bit of anxiety when it comes to Michael Penix's protection. The blindside of the left-handed quarterback was supposed to be protected by Kaleb McGary, but a season-ending injury forced a pivot that isn't going to be the primary backup at the position. Storm Norton is dealing with a lower leg injury as well. This forced the Falcons to think outside the box and bring in a familiar face.
Elijah Wilkinson has spent time with the Falcons dating back to the 2022 season, briefly leaving for a short stint in Arizona. It makes sense to give the veteran a chance to play on the outside, with the younger replacement options underwhelming throughout camp and the preseason. It is vital to have someone capable at the position with Penix's injury history.
Falcons Veteran Elijah Wilkinson on Thin Ice Despite Winning Surprise Starting Role
What allowed Penix to fall to the Falcons in the 2024 draft was a long and concerning college injury history. It remains a question mark of how the young signal caller is going to hold up at the next level even with above-average production. With this in mind, the Falcons aren't going to allow Wilkinson to continue to take the field if there are instant struggles. If Penix is taking consistent punishment, Atlanta isn't going to be afraid to pivot away from the current right tackle.
Brandon Parker or Jack Nelson are the current options the Falcons could explore if Wilkinson struggles in Week 1. However, it wouldn' t be a surprise to see the position added to before the season kicks off against the Tampa Bay Bucs.
Wilkinson is in a great position in the fact the veteran has a chance to earn a surprise payday with McGary out for the year. If the Falcons take off as hoped and the tackle holds up you're going to be able to cash in during free agency at the end of the 2025 season.
The flip side of this is pointing out the fact that the Falcons have zero reason to stick with the veteran lineman if things don't instantly click into place. Quite the opposite should be Atlanta's mentality with Wilkinson having no contractual or emotional reasons to be locked into a starting role. If things aren't working against Tampa, there is zero reason not to attempt to pivot and find a superior answer.
For Penix, this is a bit daunting when you consider the path the quarterback is already walking. There are lofty expectations with the Falcons being a clear playoff team before the implosion of Cousins at the end of the 2024 season. Anything short of reaching the playoffs and appearing to be the next franchise answer is going to be considered a bust.
An answer that is going to be partly determined by an offensive line that is now very much in question. Putting Wilkinson's starting spot in consistent jeopardy until there is an established level of consistency.