NEW ORLEANS – The offensive line is getting the band back together. This year's original starting five hasn't played together since Elijah Wilkinson hurt his knee in a Week 8 victory over Carolina.
The Falcons started three other players in his stead, and most options fared well, but Wilkinson remains the best option at left guard. After a stint on injured reserve and two weeks practice after being designated to return, Wilkinson has been activated.
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The formal transaction was made on Saturday afternoon, per a team announcement, in time for Wilkinson to play Sunday's pivotal contest against the host New Orleans Saints.
The Falcons' roster was at 52 after putting Marcus Mariota on IR Wednesday, so the team didn't need to make a corresponding move.
Wilkinson was signed to a one-year contract this offseason and took a stranglehold on the left guard spot early in training camp, staving off challenges from Jalen Mayfield and Colby Gossett.
He has established himself as a possible long-term solution at the position with a solid season as a run blocker and in pass protection.
He'll be an asset to quarterback Desmond Ridder, making his first NFL start.
The guys put in the work in Flowery Branch to prepare for this week's game against the New Orleans Saints.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 and quarterback Logan Woodside #6 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #9 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Matt Dickerson #91 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, December 15, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, December 15, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, December 15, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #9 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, December 15, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Josh Ali #80 walks out before practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 15, 2022. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 looks to make a pass during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 15, 2022. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Jake Matthews #70 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, December 15, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, December 15, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Logan Woodside #6 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, December 15, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter #9 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, December 15, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 and wide receiver Frank Darby #88 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday, December 15, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil #64 and offensive lineman Drew Dalman #67 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 laughs during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 15, 2022. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #4 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 during practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Detail view of raindrops as Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 walks to practice in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
