Billy Bowman Jr. Injury News & Updates

Bowman sustained a torn Achilles in practice and will miss the remainder of the season, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

The rookie from Oklahoma was placed on the injured reserve list Saturday, and it has since been clarified that he won't return this season. Bowman had a productive first year while on the field, appearing in just six games but recording 26 total tackles, including 2.5 sacks, two passes defended, with one interception, and one forced fumble. Expect Dee Alford to operate as Atlanta's top slot defender while Bowman is sidelined for the remainder of the year.

The Falcons placed Bowman (Achilles) on injured reserve Saturday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

Bowman suffered an Achilles injury during Atlanta's walkthrough Friday, and the issue is serious enough for him to land on IR. As a result, he'll miss at least the next four games, though his absence may extend longer given the nature of the injury. The Falcons signed cornerback Cobee Bryant to the 53-man roster Saturday to help absorb the loss of Bowman. Dee Alford may see the biggest jump in defensive snaps following Bowman's injury.

Bowman suffered an Achilles injury during Friday's walkthrough and won't play Sunday against the Saints, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Head coach Raheem Morris said Bowman's injury "is not good," which may be hinting at an extensive absence to come, but for now, Bowman has only been ruled out through Sunday's game. Mike Ford could be in line to take over as Atlanta's nickel cornerback.

Bowman recorded four tackles (four solo) including 1.0 sacks during Sunday's 30-27 overtime loss versus the Panthers.

Carolina quarterback Bryce Young was sacked five times in Week 11, including the first full sack of Bowman's young career. While the rookie has certainly shown some promise for Atlanta, his somewhat limited role as a nickel corner isn't translating to IDP viability in most formats.

Bowman recorded five tackles (one solo) during Atlanta's loss to the Colts on Sunday.

Bowman was sidelined for the past four weeks with a hamstring injury but ended up having a solid outing in his return. The rookie fourth-round pick will look to build on this performance and continue producing during the team's Week 11 matchup versus the Panthers.

Bowman (hamstring) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

The rookie fourth-rounder has missed the last four games while nursing a hamstring injury, but his ability to practice in full Wednesday indicates that he is on track to return against the Colts on Sunday. Bowman had a sizeable role in the Falcons' secondary prior to his injury, so his return could result in Dee Alford reverting to a depth role and special teams contributor.

Bowman (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

The rookie safety from Oklahoma is now in line to miss his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. Across his first four career NFL games, Bowman tallied 17 total tackles, including 0.5 sacks, and two passes defended, with one interception. While he remains out in Week 9, expect Dee Alford to operate as the Falcons' top slot corner.

Bowman (hamstring) was a limited participant in Atlanta's practice Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

Bowman was sidelined for the past three games but managed to return to practice Wednesday, albeit in a limited capacity. If he ends up being good to go for Sunday's matchup versus New England, the 22-year-old will likely resume his role as the team's starting slot cornerback.

Bowman (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Bowman didn't practice all week and missed Atlanta's last two games due to a hamstring injury, so it's no surprise he'll be sidelined again Sunday. The rookie safety from Oklahoma has tallied 17 total tackles and two passes defended, including one interception, and one forced fumble across four games this season. While he's out in Week 8, expect Dee Alford to draw another start at slot corner.

Bowman (hamstring) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Bowman has been listed as a DNP for the first two practices of the week and has missed the Falcons' last two games due to a hamstring injury. He would have to practice in at least a limited capacity Friday to have a realistic chance of returning Sunday against the Dolphins.

Bowman (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Bowman hasn't played since Week 4. The rookie cornerback had taken on a significant role before getting hurt, logging at least 66 percent of Atlanta's defensive snaps in each of the four contests in which he suited up. Bowman will almost certainly need to get back on the practice field in some capacity this week to have a chance of returning Sunday against Miami.

Bowman (hamstring) won't play Sunday against the 49ers, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Bowman will miss a second consecutive game, with Week 8 against the Dolphins representing his next chance to suit up. The rookie fourth-round pick has 17 tackles (10 solo) through four appearances.

Bowman (hamstring) was estimated as a non-participant in practice Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Bowman was unable to suit up on Monday Night Football versus Buffalo due to a hamstring injury. The Falcons held a walkthrough Wednesday, so his status as a non-participant is an estimate. Bowman will have two more chances to practice this week ahead of Sunday's Week 7 matchup in San Francisco. If he can't suit up for that game, Dee Alford could absorb most of his defensive snaps.

Bowman (knee) is inactive for Monday night's game against the Bills.

Bowman was added to the injury report Friday and wasn't cleared to play in Monday night's contest. Dee Alford and Mike Ford project to see increased snaps on defense in Bowman's absence.

Bowman (knee/hamstring) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Bills, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Bowman popped up on Friday's report due to knee and hamstring injuries, which limited him in the final two practices of the week. The rookie fourth-rounder has played a key role in the Falcons' secondary this season, so his absence would lead to more snaps on defense for Dee Alford and Mike Ford. Bowman's status may not be officially known until approximately 90 minutes before Monday's 7:15 p.m. ET kickoff.

Bowman (knee) logged a limited practice Friday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Bowman began the week free of injury, but he was added to the report Friday. His ability to practice in any capacity is positive, but his participation Saturday should provide more clarity about his availability for Monday's mathcup against the Bills.

Bowman recorded four tackles (two solo) and an interception during Sunday's 22-6 win over the Vikings.

Bowman, Jalon Walker, James Pearce and Xavier Watts have all carved out starting roles as rookies, and the Falcons' defense appears to be significantly improved because of the new additions. They all flashed during a defensive-dominated game on primetime, including Bowman and Watts each notching their first career interceptions. Bowman has 10 tackles (four solo), two pass deflections and 0.5 sacks through his first two NFL games.

Bowman (shoulder) is active for Sunday night's matchup with the Vikings, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official website reports.

Bowman suffered a shoulder injury in Week 1 against the Buccaneers, but he'll ultimately be able to give it a go for Sunday Night Football. The 22-year-old is set to operate as Atlanta's top option at slot cornerback against Minnesota.

Bowman (shoulder) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Vikings, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

Despite upgrading from limited practice Thursday to a full session Friday, Bowman remains questionable for Sunday's affair. The rookie safety from Oklahoma played 45 defensive snaps in Atlanta's Week 1 loss to the Buccaneers, recording six total tackles, including 0.5 sacks, while playing as the team's top slot corner. Friday's full practice suggests Bowman is trending toward playing in Week 2, but if he's unavailable, Dee Alford will likely start in the slot.

Bowman (shoulder) was limited in practice Thursday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Bowman wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, so his shoulder issue appears to have been sustained during practice. His status will now need to be monitored approaching Sunday night's road game against the Vikings. The rookie fourth-round pick started at slot cornerback in Week 1 against Tampa Bay, recording six tackles (two solo) and a half-sack while playing 80 percent of defensive snaps.

Falcons coach Raheem Morris said Thursday that Bowman will open the regular season as the team's starting nickel cornerback, Terrin Waack of the Falcons' official site reports.

Bowman has shown enough this offseason to kick off his NFL career as Atlanta's top slot cornerback, beating out Dee Alford. That's an impressive feat for the rookie fourth-round pick, who played safety at Oklahoma. Bowman's first opportunity to prove that his ball-hawking ability will translate to the NFL regular season will come Week 1 at home versus the Buccaneers.

The Falcons selected Bowman in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 118th overall.

Bowman (5-foot-10, 192 pounds) is a safety with an incomplete game, but his strengths appear unique enough to make up for his potential limitations. Bowman was a four-year starter at Oklahoma and flew all over the place, but sometimes to a reckless extent. Bowman is eager but a liability in run defense, in part because he sometimes tries to play bigger than he actually is. Bowman might need to rebrand from safety to more of a pure slot corner kind of application, but in that role Bowman would still definitely have the wheels (4.42-second 40-yard dash) to run with receivers. Bowman's greatest appeal is probably his ball-hawking ability -- Bowman returned three interceptions for touchdowns in 2023 and could prove a unique turnover threat in Atlanta.