Jalon Walker: Everything you need to know

Walker appeared in 14 games for the Falcons in 2025 and finished with 36 tackles (24 solo), including 5.5 sacks, one pass defense, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. The Falcons committed to their defense in the 2025 NFL draft by selecting both Walker and James Pearce in the first round. Walker missed two games in October due to a groin injury and played well in his return with 4.0 sacks over his next four outings. However, he logged one tackle or less in six of the Falcons' last seven games of the season, and that lack of production may have been due to a quad injury he sustained in early December. Still, Walker finished second among rookies in sacks behind Pearce (10.5), and the Falcons can feel some confidence in their defense moving forward with their two young pass rushers.

Walker (quadriceps) is active for Thursday's game against the Buccaneers, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports. Walker practiced in limited fashion throughout the week after exiting Atlanta's Week 14 loss early due to a quad injury. Even with the short turnaround, Walker will be able to suit up against Tampa Bay and should play around half of the team's defensive snaps.

Walker (quadriceps) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Buccaneers, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports. Walker picked up a quad injury during Atlanta's loss to Seattle in Week 14 and has been limited in practice since, meaning his status for Thursday's game could legitimately come down to the wire. If the rookie first-round pick isn't able to suit up versus Tampa Bay, Arnold Ebiketie and James Pearce will both be candidates to benefit from increased defensive snaps.