Elijah Wilkinson is set to start at right tackle for the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, stepping into a position he has not filled since his time with the Chicago Bears in 2021. Wilkinson’s versatility on the offensive line was cited as a major reason for his repeated signings by the Falcons, who brought him back this offseason after previous stints in 2022 and 2024.
“You just got to get on and take a couple laps,” Wilkinson said of returning to the starting lineup. “Then, you’ll be good. You’re back rolling.”
Wilkinson last started at right tackle for Chicago on October 17, 2021, filling in after an injury to starter Germain Ifedi. Earlier in his career, he started 19 games at right tackle over two seasons with the Denver Broncos due to injuries and opt-outs affecting their depth chart.
Falcons offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford highlighted Wilkinson’s adaptability: “I always knew that Elijah has that flex,” Ledford said. “He’s got that flex where he can play any position along the offensive line. That’s what you like with those guys, the ability to play multiple positions. That’s why when you’re the sixth, seventh, eighth (lineman) you’ve got to be able to do that. So, in training camp and everything like that, we try to expose those guys to get ready for those situations if they do occur.”
The decision comes as Atlanta deals with significant injuries along its line. Starting right tackle Kaleb McGary is out for the season due to a leg injury sustained during practice. Backup swing tackle Storm Norton is also unavailable after being placed on injured reserve following ankle surgery.
“I’ve been in this role before,” Wilkinson said about stepping up as a starter again. “It’s go time for me. You never want to see anybody go down, but that’s an opportunity for me to step up.”
Teammates have expressed confidence in Wilkinson’s preparation and performance since assuming his new role.
“The way that he stepped up ever since that happened, he has been practicing extremely hard and doing everything the right way,” quarterback Michael Penix Jr. said. “It’s been great to see.”
Wilkinson primarily worked with Atlanta’s second-team offense during training camp while McGary took first-team reps until his injury late in preseason practices. Penix noted familiarity from working behind Wilkinson last year when both spent significant time with the second unit.
“Those guys have got a lot of familiarity, a lot of comfort with Wilkinson,” head coach Raheem Morris said. “He has a lot of comfort with us.”
Wilkinson started nine games at left guard during his first stint with Atlanta in 2022 before spending a season with Arizona and returning this year. Last season he played mainly on special teams for Atlanta.
“Led knows him as well as anybody, and I am leaning on Coach Led with a lot of things because he’s been around Elijah for a number of years now,” said offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. “So, leaning on those guys, seeing what we do out on the practice field and hoping it all translates to the game.”
Atlanta opens its regular season against Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Sunday at 1 p.m., airing live on FOX.
“It’s next man up,” Wilkinson said about filling McGary’s spot on the line alongside Chris Lindstrom and Ryan Neuzil. “You just got to roll with the punches and go get some wins for the Falcons.”
