The Atlanta Falcons are entering the 2023 season without one of their leading tackers from last year.

In a surprise move, the Falcons opted to waive 2022 starting linebacker Mykal Walker on Sunday.

Atlanta made the decision to release Walker two days after he started and had four tackles in Friday's 19-3 preseason win over the Miami Dolphins.

Earlier Sunday, the Falcons signed linebacker Frank Ginda, the 2023 USFL defensive player of the year.

Walker played in 16 games and started 12 for the Falcons last season, finishing with a career-high 107 tackles - the third most on the team. He also had two interceptions, a sack and four tackles for loss.

A fourth-round draft pick by the Falcons in 2020, the 25-year-old Walker had 174 career tackles in 49 games.

Walker thanked the Falcons in a social media post.