FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Inside linebacker Troy Andersen, a second-round draft pick in 2022 who was once viewed as a rising star in the Atlanta Falcons’ defense, was released by the team on Friday.
The Falcons signed wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson to fill the roster spot in training camp.
Wilkerson, 29, has six catches for 60 yards, including three touchdowns, in four NFL seasons, having made appearances with the Las Vegas Raiders and the New England Patriots.
Injuries prevented Andersen from staying on the field after he made a strong first impression with his sideline-to-sideline speed.
Andersen played in only two games in 2023 before being placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. He was limited to seven games, including four starts, by a knee injury in 2024 after he again flashed his big-play potential by scoring on a 47-yard interception return in a win over the rival New Orleans Saints. He did not play in 2025 and began the current training camp on the team’s physically unable to perform list.
The versatile Andersen starred in college at Football Championship Subdivision power Montana State, playing linebacker, quarterback and running back.
The release of Andersen is the second hit to the team’s depth at linebacker this week.
The Falcons announced Wednesday that edge rusher Jalon Walker, a first-round pick in 2025, will miss the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Walker, who is also considered a linebacker in Atlanta’s defensive scheme, was carted off the field at training camp the day before, having gone down after rushing the passer.
“Injuries are the worst part of our game. Nobody likes them,” Atlanta first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski said Friday. “I don’t like them, players don’t like them, but we also recognize that they are part of the game. To see Jalon go down is disappointing and frustrating for him, but I know what he’s made of. He will bounce back. He’s got the right attitude. Disappointed, but he’ll be back.”