Atlanta Falcons Offensive Lineman to Return to Practice

The Atlanta Falcons may have lost one key offensive player Wednesday afternoon, but they got one back, too. The team designated offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson to return from injured reserve, activating his 21-day practice window.

We've designated G Elijah Wilkinson to return to practice off IR
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 30, 2022

The move follows Falcons head coach Arthur Smith announcing season-ending surgery for tight end Kyle Pitts earlier today.

Wilkinson started seven games for the Falcons before suffering a knee injury in the team's Week 8 37-34 win over the Panthers. The guard played every snap of the game, but later tests revealed damage that would cost him the next four games.

Wilkinson joined the Falcons this offseason following one year with the Chicago Bears and four years with the Denver Broncos. He has been in and out of lineups since coming into the league as an undrafted free agent, starting 34 of his 65 appearances over his six-year career. He has earned a 64.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus over his 429 snaps this season.