Falcons edge Jalon Walker, a 2025 first-rounder, carted off with apparent leg injury

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons’ practice ended on a somber note Tuesday as outside linebacker Jalon Walker, the No. 15 pick in last year’s draft, went down with what appeared to be a left leg injury. The Falcons were conducting a two-minute drill when Walker fell while rounding the corner on a pass rush. His teammates almost immediately went to one knee.

A team source told The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones that the team fears it’s a torn ACL, though nothing official has been announced.

Walker was taken to the locker room on a cart. Head coach Kevin Stefanski brought the team together briefly and then ended practice after the play. Walker had 5.5 sacks, nine quarterback hurries and five tackles for loss as a rookie. He was projected to be a starter this season.

The Falcons selected both Walker and fellow pass rusher James Pearce Jr. in the first round last year and now could be without both for a significant portion of the 2026 season. Pearce is facing a possible suspension from the NFL after a February arrest on three felony charges following an incident with his former girlfriend, Rickea Jackson.

This story will be updated.