The Atlanta Falcons were given frustrating injury news early on in camp, with Darnell Mooney's injury forcing the team to turn to D.J. Chark. While Mooney still has plenty of time to get completely healthy for the regular season, it is concerning that such a high-impact player is already in question.
Making matters worse is that the most recent injury update has rookie defender Jalon Walker being sidelined. It is a hamstring injury that Raheem Morris seemed to have little concern over. The head coach made it clear that the defender is doing everything in his power to get back on the field, with the injury not being a major concern.
Falcons Rookie Pass Rusher Sidelined with Early Camp Injury
Raheem Morris: Jalon Walker has a small hamstring issue. It's very minor. The kid is chomping at the bit to go out there and I won't let him. #Falcons
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) July 31, 2025
Anytime an injury comes up this early in camp for a young player, it is a bit of a concern. The Falcons are worried enough to hold Walker out of practice and sideline the rookie from taking valuable reps. This in itself is enough for fans to have a healthy level of concern. Walker is the prize addition of the offseason and the lone reason to believe the pass rush is going to take a meaningful step forward. Atlanta's defense cannot survive losing the pass rusher early in the season.
Still, it isn't panic time just yet, with Morris stressing that it is a minor injury that Walker wants to play through. This doesn't sound to be an issue that is going to keep the rookie out of late summer reps or Week 1 action. As long as Walker is able to return in time to get ready for the regular season, there is no cause for alarm.
Everything the Falcons built this offseason defensively is around Walker and the wrinkle he brings to the pass rush. Bralen Trice, Leonard Floyd, and James Pearce Jr. were Atlanta's remaining noteworthy additions. The trio will all have a positive impact, but needs Walker in the lineup to make the unit work as expected. There isn't any hint that this won't be the case with the rookie appearing to be held out of the lineup due to an overabundance of caution.
Atlanta's preseason will kick off on August 8th against the Detroit Lions. Fans now have all the more reason to tune in and watch to see if Walker receives any reps in his first preseason game. No question, it would be a relief to see the rookie able to take the field after the injury scare.