For Falcons fans packing into Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Friday night against the Titans was supposed to be about seeing what rookie linebacker Jalon Walker could bring after a shaky debut. Yet, to their surprise, the No. 15 pick was nowhere near the action. The rookie stayed on the sidelines, leaving Rise Up Nation to wonder why Raheem Morris’ prized defender was missing in such a big preseason moment.
Meanwhile, questions quickly spread across the city of peaches. Walker had been nursing a hamstring issue earlier in camp, so many assumed the injury flared up again. Others felt the Falcons were just being cautious with their first-round investment. Since Atlanta considers the former Georgia star a centerpiece for its defense, the speculation has some sense. But as the night ended, Raheem Morris stepped up and cleared the air once and for all.
As per senior reporter Tori McElhaney, “Raheem Morris said Jalon Walker ‘tweaked his groin’ in one of the last plays of the second day of joint practice.” According to McElhaney, the Falcons fully expect him back in practice next week, which means this isn’t the kind of long-term setback fans feared. Walker already logged 19 defensive snaps in the opener against Detroit, tallying a tackle. With Atlanta ranking second-to-last in sacks a year ago, the rookie’s return is crucial to energize the pass rush.
However, Morris showed the situation did not catch him flat-footed. As McElhaney noted, “Ronnie Harrison getting some work at ILB in this series. Raheem Morris said after the Falcons signed the veteran safety last weekend that this is spot the Falcons saw fit to use him.” Falcons signed Harrison on August 10, and they got what they wanted—versatility. He played 10 games with the Colts last year, forcing a fumble, and also logged key snaps with the Jets. The move may look desperate, but it shows Morris is willing to shuffle his pieces.
Raheem Morris said Jalon Walker “tweaked his groin” in one of the last plays of the second day of joint practice. Said he should be back next week.
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 16, 2025
Looking deeper, Harrison isn’t just a quick plug-in. Drafted by the Jaguars in 2018 out of Alabama, the veteran has been through the grind with Jacksonville, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. He’s played 84 games with 48 starts, collecting 245 tackles, 6.5 sacks, seven interceptions, and even two pick-sixes. That kind of production makes him a steady option if Walker needs more time.
So if Harrison adapts quickly, Raheem Morris may just find the sigh of relief he’s searching for.
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