Head coach Raheem Morris told reporters Monday that Hellams (ankle) is still "weeks away" from returning, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.
The 2023 seventh-round pick out of Alabama has yet to suit up for the Falcons this season after sustaining an ankle injury in early August that landed him on injured reserve. Morris' comments Monday indicate that Hellams still has a long way to go in his recovery process, so expect Richie Grant to continue serving as Atlanta's top reserve safety for the foreseeable future.
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Falcons' DeMarcco Hellams: Placed on IR
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Hellams (ankle) was placed on injured reserve by the Falcons on Tuesday, Terrin Waack of the team's official website reports.
Hellams suffered an ankle injury against the Dolphins on Aug. 9, and he'll now be forced to miss at least Atlanta's first four games of the 2024 season as a result. The safety will be first eligible to return to action Oct. 3 versus the Buccaneers in Week 5.
Falcons' DeMarcco Hellams: Will miss significant time
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Head coach Raheem Morris announced that Hellams (ankle) will be out for an extended time, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
Hellams suffered an ankle injury during Friday's preseason game versus the Dolphins and that will now force him to miss significant time. In his absence, Lukas Denis and Josh Thompson could be in line for more playing time.
Hellams was carted off the field during Friday's preseason matchup with the Dolphins due to an apparent left leg injury, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
Hellams had an air cast placed on his leg prior to being carted off. Before the injury, he was competing with Richie Grant for a starting role at strong safety in the Falcons' secondary.
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Falcons' DeMarcco Hellams: Healthy once again
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Hellams (concussion) took part in OTAs on Tuesday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
Hellams entered concussion protocol as the 2023 season came to an end, but he is now healthy and ready to take the field. The Alabama product saw his role grow as last season progressed and is expected to begin the 2024 campaign in a starting role at safety.
Falcons' DeMarcco Hellams: Carves out role down the stretch
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Hellams (concussion) finished 2023 with 40 tackles (25 solo) in 15 appearances.
A rookie seventh-round pick, Hellams operated exclusively on special teams to start his career but gradually carved out a larger defensive role. He operated as a starter over the final weeks of the campaign but missed the season finale due to a concussion. Given the way the year ended, Hellams should have a chance to compete with Richie Grant for snaps next to Jessie Bates in 2024, but the Falcons may look to upgrade the safety position this offseason as well.
Hellams (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Saints.
Hellams was held out of practice all week after sustaining a concussion in the Falcons' Week 17 loss to the Bears, so it's no surprise that the 2023 seventh-round pick won't suit up Sunday. Richie Grant is expected to see more work in Atlanta's secondary with Hellams missing the team's Week 18 affair.
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Falcons' DeMarcco Hellams: In concussion protocol
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Hellams did not practice Wednesday and is in concussion protocol, Amna Subhan of the Falcons' official site reports.
According to coach Arthur Smith, Hellams began experiencing concussion symptoms following Sunday's loss to Chicago. He was able to play 72 percent of Atlanta's defensive snaps in that contest, tallying six tackles (all solo). If Hellams is unable to clear concussion protocol in time to suit up for Sunday's key Week 18 clash against the Saints, Richie Grant would likely slide back into a starting role.
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Falcons' DeMarcco Hellams: Productive in Sunday's loss
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Hellams recorded six total tackles (all solo) in Sunday's 37-17 loss to the Bears.
The rookie out of Alabama has seen increased time on the Falcons' defense since taking over the starting strong safety duties from Richie Grant in Week 15. Hellams has started four games for Atlanta thus far, logging 28 total tackles, including one tackle for loss in those starts. Expect the 2023 seventh-round pick to continue starting in the Falcons' secondary in a must-win Week 18 game against the Saints.
Hellams (hamstring) was a full participant at practice Friday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
He's on track to suit up Sunday after sitting out Week 9 versus the Vikings with a hamstring injury. Hellams figures to step back into a rotational role in Atlanta's defensive backfield in Week 10.
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Falcons' DeMarcco Hellams: Back at practice
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Hellams (hamstring) was a limited participant at the Falcons' practice Thursday, Amna Subhan of Atlanta's official site reports.
Hellams returned to practice for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 8, offering a glimmer of hope for his chances to play Sunday in Arizona. He'll look to increase his workload at Friday's final session of the week.
Hellams (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Vikings, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.
The rookie out of Alabama is in line to miss his first game of the season, as he was held out of practice throughout the week with a hamstring issue. Hellams has played almost strictly on special teams for Atlanta this year, recording three total tackles.
