The return of training camp is welcome in so many ways, but it also brings back the dread specter of potential injuries. It looks like one has hit early this time, as J.J. Wilcox was hobbling off the field during the first morning of practice just a couple of hours into the first day, and we learned this evening that he tore his ACL and will miss the season.

Sources: #Falcons S JJ Wilcox, who would have been the team’s third safety, has torn his ACL and is out for the season. He suffered the injury today in practice. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 22, 2019

The injury sounded ominous from the jump, but we were hoping for the best. The loss of Wilcox leaves the Falcons without a player most of us thought would be a strong contender for a top reserve role at safety, which is a big blow this early in training camp and a huge bummer for Wilcox himself.

As I wrote earlier, The Falcons signed the veteran safety this offseason as potential Keanu Neal insurance, and I had him penciled in to a roster spot as the reserve strong safety for 2019. The Falcons may add another player to a group that also includes incumbent reserve Sharrod Neasman, practice squadder Ryan Neal, and new additions Jason Thompson, Parker Baldwin, and Chris Cooper. I’d expect Thompson, Neasman, and Cooper to be the early favorites for a role if the team doesn’t make a move.

We wish Wilcox well on his recovery. Man, this sucks.