Atlanta Falcons pass-rusher Jalon Walker suffered a torn ACL at practice Tuesday and will miss the 2026 season, the team announced Wednesday.
Outside linebackers coach John Timu called Walker's injury a "huge loss," according to Falcons team reporter Tori McElhaney.
Atlanta selected Walker in the first round of the 2025 draft. He suited up in 15 games last season, making nine starts while playing just over 50% of the team's defensive snaps.
Walker produced 36 tackles, nine quarterback hits, and 5.5 sacks as a rookie. He also recorded 29 pressures, and his 11% pressure rate ranked fourth among all defensive rookies who played at least 200 pass-rush snaps, according to TruMedia.
Multiple serious injuries have occurred in the NFC South to start camp; Carolina Panthers edge rusher Nic Scourton and New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Bryan Bresee both recently suffered season-ending injuries.
