The Atlanta Falcons were hit with some tough news early on in the offseason when star offensive lineman Kaleb McGary announced his retirement from the NFL.
To try and replace McGary and help bolster the OL, the Falcons decided to sign free agent OT and eight-year NFL veteran Jawaan Taylor.
However, following the signing, the news Falcons’ lineman has been dealing with an injury and hasn’t been able to practice since Falcons training camp began. Well, on Monday, a piece of Jawaan Taylor’s injury news dropped, and it’s a welcome sign for Atlanta.
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Falcons’ Jawaan Taylor Activated off PUP List
GettyKANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – DECEMBER 21: Kareem Hunt #29, Jawaan Taylor #74, Travis Kelce #87, and Mike Caliendo #66 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrate after Hunt’s rushing touchdown in the second quarter of a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
As of Monday, Jawaan Taylor has been activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list, and he’s been cleared to join the Falcons for training camp practices.
Atlanta has its first preseason game later this week.
Looking at Jawaan Taylor Ahead of 2026 NFL Season
GettySANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 20: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs is congratulated by Jawaan Taylor #74 after he scored a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Jawaan Taylor enters the 2026 season as a veteran offensive tackle looking to provide stability to the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive line, although even he doesn’t exactly know who he will be protecting yet, as Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. continue to battle for the starting job.
Taylor, 28, has started 111 of the 111 games he played during his first seven NFL seasons. Taylor spent the 2023-25 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he helped protect Patrick Mahomes and had a crucial role in the Chiefs’ winning Super Bowl 58.
Taylor brings valuable experience, durability and versatility to Atlanta’s offensive line, but his ability to return to full strength will be closely monitored after an elbow injury limited him during the 2025 season.
Atlanta Falcons Announce Jawaan Taylor News During Training Camp