Tests confirm torn ACL for former Georgia LB Jalon Walker
By David Wasson
Published:
The worst has reportedly come true for former Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker, as it was reported Wednesday that the second-year Atlanta Falcons standout tore the ACL in his left knee and will require surgery.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that tests on Walker’s knee confirmed the injury. Walker was injured Tuesday during a Falcons practice and underwent an MRI later in the day. The Falcons cancelled the remainder of practice after Walker went down, and teammates were emotional as he was carted from the field.
The Falcons confirmed the news on Wednesday morning.
Atlanta selected Walker with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he turned in a very strong rookie season in 2025 – with 15 appearances and nine starts. Walker recorded 36 combined tackles, including 24 solo stops and 5.5 sacks. Walker also posted two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup in his rookie year.
Walker excelled in three season at Georgia under coach Kirby Smart. Walker won the 2024 Butkus Award for the nation’s top linebacker and earned first-team All-American recognition. He was also a part of Georgia’s national championship team in 2022 as a true freshman.
The Falcons are now perilously thin at edge rusher, as 2025 first-rounder James Pearce Jr., was arrested on domestic violence charges in February and could face NFL suspension.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
