Falcons' Jalon Walker out for season with torn ACL

Field Level Media|published: 08/05/2026, 11:52am EDT

Jul 30, 2026; Atlanta, Falcons, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jalon Walker (11) takes a break on the field during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Tests confirmed that Atlanta Falcons pass rusher Jalon Walker sustained a torn ACL and miss the upcoming season, the team announced on Wednesday.

Walker was carted off the field at training camp on Tuesday after suffering the injury during a two-minute simulation in a non-padded 11-on-11 practice.

Teammates took a knee and surrounded Walker as he was being treated, bringing a somber end to Tuesday's session.

"When he comes in the room, we feel it," Falcons outside linebacker coach John Timu said Wednesday. "... Huge loss."

The loss of Walker, the 15th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, is magnified given the team's issues at edge rusher.

James Pearce Jr., who was selected 11 picks after Walker in that draft, was arrested on domestic violence charges in February. The NFL could opt to suspend him if it determines he violated the league's personal conduct policy.

Walker, 22, had 5 1/2 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, nine quarterback hits and 36 tackles in 15 games (nine starts) in 2025.

--Field Level Media