Falcons Still Working Out Battle at Right Tackle After First Preseason Game
Aug 18, 2026 10:00 AM

The Atlanta Falcons still have some questions at one of the most important spots on the offense.

The Atlanta Falcons have another week of joint practices this week coming off the preseason opener which led to some concerns from the fanbase as to where this team is at.

Given the injury to Jalon Walker and suspension to James Pearce Jr. on defense, it's safe to say this team is going to be relying more upon the offense to score points than it has over the last couple of years. The early indications following a preseason struggle this week are that the offense has some serious work to do, but it goes beyond just quarterback.

One of the silent battles of camp so far has been right tackle, and it seems like the Falcons are still working things out there. Though Ethan Onianwa was one of the stories of camp before the first game, he certainly struggled in his preseason debut, leaving a real battle at right tackle beyond just Jawaan Taylor.

Falcons Have Three Players Vying for Right Tackle Spot

"Asked whether or not any player separated themselves at the position, Stefanski said no," Tori McElhaney of Falcons.com wrote. "That it is too soon to say there's separation between the primary three who have been taking the reps: [Michael] Jerrell, [Brandon] Walton and Ethan Onianwa."

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Onianwa looked like he could be the favorite out of the gate as a seventh round rookie, but the way he struggled in actual game action did not just lead to questions as to whether he can start, but really even make the roster at all.

Jerrell has some experience with the team and may be the most logical pick with Walton arriving following a minicamp tryout, but regardless, Atlanta is not in a great spot depth wise at one of the most important positions along the offensive line.

Taylor is likely going to be the entrenched starter, but the hope was that another legitimate option could emerge especially after he missed some time due to injury throughout this camp. He has struggled as well throughout his career with the Kansas City Chiefs and now is going to be asked to step into a bigger role, which is why it would be nice to see someone emerge behind him.

Regardless, the competition will continue throughout the rest of camp, but right tackle should be circled as an area where fans and even the coaching staff at this point may have some serious concerns about.

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