FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Falcons have designated guard Elijah Wilkinson to return to practice off injured reserve, head coach Arthur Smith announced during his Wednesday press conference.
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The veteran lineman suffered a knee injury after Week 8 against the Panthers causing him to miss a minimum of four games when the Falcons placed him on injured reserve that week.
Wilkinson presently has a 21-day practice window open, starting Wednesday, to work his way back to the active roster and prepare for game action. The Falcons can activate him at any point during this period.
Wilkinson has been a key piece to the offensive line this season and his return back to left guard would be big for a position group that has taken a hit throughout this season.
The Falcons have started four different linemen at left guard in five games. Matt Hennessy got the start immediately after Wilkinson moved to IR, but a knee injury put him on IR a week later. Since then, Colby Gossett and Chuma Edoga stepped into the left guard role.
