Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett has long been the heart and soul of the team’s defense. Known for his explosive power, quickness, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Jarrett has been a dominant force on the defensive line since entering the NFL. However, his 2024 season was cut short due to a torn ACL — a devastating injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the year.
As Jarrett enters the recovery phase, Falcons fans and teammates are optimistic about his return. His leadership, work ethic, and natural talent have made him one of the most respected players in the league. Now, with the 2025 season approaching, all eyes are on Jarrett to see if he can bounce back and reclaim his spot as one of the NFL’s premier interior defenders.
Jarrett’s injury occurred in Week 8 of the 2024 season during a game against the Tennessee Titans. While attempting to pressure quarterback Will Levis, Jarrett’s knee buckled awkwardly as he planted his foot. He immediately fell to the ground and clutched his knee in pain.
Trainers rushed to the field, and Jarrett was helped off the field without putting any weight on his leg. The following day, an MRI confirmed the worst — a torn ACL, which meant season-ending surgery and a long road to recovery.
Head coach Raheem Morris expressed his disappointment after the game. “Losing Grady was a huge blow for us,” Morris said. “He’s the guy that sets the tone for our defense. His presence on and off the field is hard to replace.”
Before the injury, Jarrett had been having another strong season. He recorded 21 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 5 quarterback hits through the first eight games. His ability to generate pressure from the interior and collapse the pocket was a key part of the Falcons’ defensive scheme.
Jarrett’s importance to the Falcons’ defense cannot be overstated. Since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Jarrett has developed into one of the top defensive tackles in the league.
He broke out in the 2016 season, helping the Falcons reach the Super Bowl. In that game, Jarrett tied a Super Bowl record with three sacks of Tom Brady — an incredible feat that highlighted his dominance on the biggest stage.
Over the years, Jarrett has consistently ranked among the league’s best interior defenders in pressure rate and run-stopping ability. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler (2019, 2020) and has been the anchor of Atlanta’s defensive line for nearly a decade.
What makes Jarrett special is his combination of strength and quickness. At 6’0″ and 305 pounds, he’s slightly undersized for a defensive tackle, but his leverage, hand technique, and motor allow him to outmaneuver larger offensive linemen. He’s quick off the snap, capable of shooting gaps and disrupting plays before they develop.
“Grady is the guy you have to game-plan for,” said former Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees. “He can ruin a play in an instant. That’s rare for a defensive tackle.”
Recovering from an ACL tear is no small task, especially for a defensive lineman who relies on explosiveness and lateral quickness. Jarrett underwent successful surgery in November 2024 and has been working with the Falcons’ medical staff and personal trainers to regain strength and mobility.
Jarrett has been open about his recovery process on social media, posting workout videos and messages of encouragement to Falcons fans. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Jarrett wrote:
“Minor setback for a major comeback. Trust the process — I’ll be back stronger.”
Falcons head trainer Steve Horne expressed confidence in Jarrett’s recovery timeline. “Grady’s work ethic is second to none,” Horne said. “He’s attacking his rehab with the same intensity that he plays with. We expect him to be fully cleared for training camp.”
The typical recovery timeline for an ACL tear is 9 to 12 months, which would put Jarrett on track to return by the start of the 2025 season. The key for Jarrett will be regaining confidence in his knee and rebuilding the explosiveness that makes him such a disruptive force.
Jarrett’s absence created a major void in the Falcons’ defense. Without him anchoring the line, Atlanta struggled to generate consistent pressure and stop the run.
David Onyemata and Ta’Quon Graham stepped into larger roles, but the Falcons’ defensive line lacked the same level of disruption and playmaking that Jarrett provided. The Falcons ranked in the bottom third of the league in sacks and quarterback pressures after Jarrett went down, highlighting just how much his presence meant to the team.
Atlanta’s defensive struggles contributed to a disappointing 7-10 finish, causing them to miss the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. Fixing the defense will be a top priority for head coach Raheem Morris heading into the 2025 season — and getting Jarrett back healthy will be the first step.
Assuming Jarrett returns to full health, he will once again be the centerpiece of Atlanta’s defensive line. His ability to draw double teams and collapse the pocket from the inside will open up opportunities for the Falcons’ edge rushers and linebackers.
Jarrett’s leadership will also be crucial as the Falcons integrate younger players into the defense. Rookie defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has already spoken about how much he’s looking forward to learning from Jarrett.
“I’ve been watching Grady for years,” Orhorhoro said. “He’s the type of player I want to model my game after. Having him as a mentor is going to help me grow.”
The Falcons’ front office has also invested in strengthening the defense through free agency, signing veteran edge rusher Danielle Hunter and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. The goal is to build a more balanced, aggressive defense — one that can complement the offensive improvements led by quarterback Desmond Ridder and running back Bijan Robinson.
With Jarrett anchoring the defensive line, the Falcons’ defense has the potential to take a major step forward in 2025.
Jarrett’s teammates have no doubt that he’ll return to elite form. Linebacker Troy Andersen spoke about Jarrett’s importance to the team:
“Grady is our leader — plain and simple. When he’s on the field, everything clicks. We feed off his energy.”
Defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake echoed that sentiment:
“Grady sets the tone for us. His strength, quickness, and leadership elevate everyone else. Getting him back is going to make a huge difference.”
While Jarrett’s return will certainly boost the Falcons’ defense, there are still challenges ahead. Atlanta needs to improve its pass rush and secondary play to create a more balanced defense.
Jarrett’s health will also be closely monitored. Returning from an ACL tear is never easy, and even a small setback could delay his full return to form. But Jarrett’s history of overcoming adversity suggests that he’s more than capable of handling the challenge.
Grady Jarrett’s road to recovery will be one of the key storylines for the Falcons heading into the 2025 season. His return has the potential to transform Atlanta’s defense and elevate the team’s playoff hopes.
Jarrett has already proven that he can rise to the occasion on the biggest stage — his dominant Super Bowl performance remains one of the most memorable in recent history. If he can return to that level of play, the Falcons could finally be poised for a playoff breakthrough.
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