Dee Alford Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Falcons vs Cardinals game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 24, 2025
Racks up 10 tackles in return
Alford tallied 10 tackles (nine solo), a defensed pass and a fumble recovery Sunday in a 24-10 Week 12 win over the Saints.
ANALYSIS
Alford didn't play in Week 11 due to a concussion but was cleared in time to suit up Sunday. He ended up leading the Falcons in tackles while reaching the double-digit mark for the first time this season. Alford also had a fumble recovery early in the game that led to a Cardinals field goal. The fourth-year cornerback will likely see a larger role moving forward with Billy Bowman out for the season due to a torn Achilles.
Nov 21, 2025
Cleared for Week 12 return
Alford (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Saints, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford has cleared the NFL's five-step concussion protocol and will return following a one-game absence. He could be used in the slot in the absence of Billy Bowman (Achilles), or Alford may slot in as a backup at outside cornerback.
Nov 20, 2025
Full practice participant Thursday
Alford (concussion) practiced in full Thursday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford suffered a concussion in Week 10 against Indianapolis and didn't play against Carolina this past Sunday. He began prep this week with a limited session, then upgraded to full Thursday. Alford thus seems in line to return to action in Week 12 against the Saints, though he'll first need to clear concussion protocol if he hasn't done so already.
Nov 19, 2025
Still in concussion protocol
Alford (concussion) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford sat out Sunday's game versus the Panthers because of a concussion he sustained in Week 10 at Indianapolis, and he's still not back up to full speed as Atlanta begins Week 12 prep. He'll have to clear league concussion protocol Thursday or Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.
Nov 14, 2025
Won't play in Week 11
Alford (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Panthers, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The 28-year-old sustained a concussion in the Falcons' Week 10 loss to the Colts and was not able to clear protocol in time to play in Sunday's divisional matchup. Alford will be sidelined for the first time in Week 11, having recording 29 total tackles, including 2.0 sacks, and seven passes defended over nine games. Expect Billy Bowman and Xavier Watts to play larger role in the Falcons' secondary while Alford is out Sunday.
Nov 12, 2025
Limited practice Wednesday
Alford (concussion) practiced in limited fashion Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford suffered a concussion in Sunday's loss to the Colts in Berlin. He'll need to clear the league's concussion protocol before being cleared to play Sunday against the Panthers, but beginning the week on the field in any capacity is a positive sign.
Nov 9, 2025
Won't return vs. Indianapolis
Alford (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Colts, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford was assessed by medical staff after taking a hit to the head in the first half, and the fourth-year pro has entered the league's concussion protocol and will not return. Natrone Brooks and Keith Taylor are in line for more snaps at outside corner in Alford's absence.
Nov 9, 2025
Possible concussion
Alford is being evaluated for a possible concussion and is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Colts, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford took a hit to the head in the first quarter of Sunday's game, and he is being evaluated by medical staff to determine whether he can return. He got the start at corner in the absence of Mike Hughes (neck), so the Falcons could opt to insert Natrone Brooks at outside corner or shift Billy Bowman from the slot for as long as Alford is out of the game.
Oct 29, 2025
Logs sack versus Dolphins
Alford tallied five solo tackles, including 1.0 sacks, in the Falcons' loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Alford was one of Atlanta's few bright spots during the loss, recording the team's lone sack of Tua Tagovailoa. Across seven games played, the 27-year-old has logged 24 tackles (19 solo), including 2.0 sacks, and an interception. He will look to add to his totals during the Week 9 matchup versus the Patriots.
Oct 21, 2025
Minimal role in Week 7
Alford recorded one tackle (one solo) during Sunday's 20-10 loss at San Francisco.
ANALYSIS
The 49ers ran the ball on 59 percent of their offensive snaps in Week 7, so Alford was only on the field for 22 plays on defense, limiting his opportunities. With a pass-dependent Dolphins attack on tap for Week 8, Alford is set up nicely for a bounce-back game.
Oct 14, 2025
Picks off Allen in Week 6 win
Alford tallied six tackles (four solo), including 1.0 sacks, and three pass defenses (including one interception) during the Falcons' 24-14 win over the Bills on Monday.
ANALYSIS
Alford registered his first interception (and second of his four-year NFL career) late in the first half, which put the Falcons at midfield with a chance to extend their 14-point lead heading into halftime. He also took down Josh Allen for a 15-yard sack early in the second quarter, which was Alford's first since Week 4 of the 2024 campaign. Alford is up to 18 tackles (13 solo) and five pass defenses through the first five games of the regular season.
Apr 7, 2025
Re-signs with Atlanta
Alford re-signed with the Falcons on a one-year contract Monday, Will McFadden of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The Falcons opted not to tender Alford as a restricted rights free agent in March, which made the 27-year-old cornerback an unrestricted free agent. After testing the market, Alford has decided to return to Atlanta, where he made 11 starts last season, posting 11 passes defensed and 83 tackles (61 solo) in 16 appearances.
Mar 6, 2025
Will be unrestricted free agent
Atlanta will not tender Alford's contract, Daniel Flick of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford is coming off a season in which he set a career high in tackles (83), though that may partially have been a function of his being less dominant in coverage than he was during his first two years as a pro. He'll be free to make a deal with any bidder when the legal tampering period begins on March 10.
Jan 7, 2025
Sets new career highs
Alford finished with 83 tackles (61 solo), including 1.0 sacks, 11 pass breakups and a forced fumble, all career-best marks, across 16 games in 2024.
ANALYSIS
The slot cornerback also played on a majority of the defensive snaps in 12 of his 16 games. In 2022, Alford signed a three-year, $2.57-million contract with the Falcons. Now, he'll become a restricted free agent, meaning Atlanta can match any offer from another team.
Jan 3, 2025
Cleared to play Sunday
Alford (groin) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
Alford has missed just one game this season and enters Week 18 with 76 tackles (56 solo), including 1.0 sacks, 10 pass breakups and one forced fumble as one of Atlanta's starting outside cornerbacks. Sunday's Week 18 contest has playoff implications for the Falcons, who are still alive for the NFC South title.
Jan 1, 2025
Limited to open week
Alford (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Daniel Flick of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford logged six tackles (three solo) and played a season-high 72 snaps (66 on defense, six on special teams) during the Falcons' Week 17 loss to the Commanders. It appears the 27-year-old corner may have injured his groin during the game, which limited him in the Falcons' first official practice of the week. He'll have two more days this week to increase his practice participation ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Panthers. Alford has logged 76 tackles (56 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and one forced across 15 regular-season games.
Nov 28, 2024
Past hamstring injury
Alford (hamstring) was listed as a full participant on Thursday's practice report, Daniel Flick of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford was limited in Wednesday's practice due to a hamstring injury that forced him to be sidelined against the Broncos in Week 11, but he looks to be on track to play Sunday against the Chargers. Through 10 regular-season games, Alford has logged 54 tackles (43 solo), including 1.0 sack, and six pass defensed.
Nov 27, 2024
Opens week with limited work
Alford (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Daniel Flick of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford was sidelined for Atlanta's Week 11 loss to the Broncos after sustaining a hamstring injury the game prior. He had some additional recovery time with the Falcons' Week 12 bye, however, Wednesday's limited session suggests he's still dealing with the issue. Alford's practice participation Thursday and Friday will offer the best insight into whether he can return for Sunday's matchup against the Chargers.
Nov 15, 2024
Out for Sunday
Head coach Raheem Morris told reporters Friday that Alford (hamstring) won't play in Sunday's matchup against the Broncos, Amna Subhan of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford's absence Sunday comes as no surprise, as the Tusculum product was unable to practice all week after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Falcons' Week 10 loss to the Saints. Atlanta's cornerback room is expected to be headlined by A.J. Terrell, Kevin King and Clark Phillips with Alford, Mike Hughes (neck) and Antonio Hamilton (pectoral) all sidelined for Week 11.
Nov 13, 2024
DNP on Wednesday
Alford (hamstring) didn't practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Alford played just 21 total snaps (15 defensive and six on special teams) and recorded one tackle before exiting Sunday's loss to the Saints with a hamstring injury. If 27-year-old is unable to upgrade to at least limited participation either Thursday or Friday, he'll likely miss the Falcons' Week 11 matchup against the Broncos.
Oct 11, 2024
Healthy for Week 6
Alford (concussion) holds no injury designation for Sunday's game against Carolina.
ANALYSIS
Alford left last Thursday's matchup against the Buccaneers early with a concussion, but it appears he's all healed to take on the Panthers this Sunday. The 5-foot-11 cornerback has 29 tackles (22 solo), one sack and two passes defended so far this season.
Oct 10, 2024
Returns to full practice
Alford (concussion) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Will McFadden of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford suffered a concussion in last Thursday's win over the Buccaneers and appears well on his way to clearing the league's five-step protocols. Barring any setbacks, he'll likely be able to suit up Sunday against the Panthers.
Oct 9, 2024
Limited Wednesday
Alford (concussion) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Alford was placed in concussion protocol after sustaining a head injury in the first quarter of the Falcons' Week 5 win over the Buccaneers, so Wednesday's limited session comes as no surprise. The 26-year-old cornerback will still need to clear the NFL's five-step concussion process in order to suit up for Sunday's matchup against the Panthers.
Oct 9, 2024
Enters protocols
Alford is in concussion protocols after suffering a head injury in last Thursday's win over the Buccaneers, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford suffered the injury in the first quarter and was not allowed to return to the game. In his absence, Antonio Hamilton took over slot corner duties and recorded two combined tackles. He'll likely be tasked with that role again if Alfold doesn't get clearance to suit up for Sunday's game against the Panthers.
Oct 3, 2024
Departs Thursday with head injury
Alford is being evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return to Thursday's contest versus Tampa Bay, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford was hurt in the first quarter while making a tackle of Chris Godwin. Antonio Hamilton entered as the Falcons' nickel corner in Alford's stead and will likely be asked to hold down that role if the latter is unable to return.
Sep 30, 2024
Notches first sack
Alford recorded nine tackles (eight solo), including a sack, and one pass defense during Sunday's 26-24 win over the Saints.
ANALYSIS
After a quiet start to the campaign, Alford has racked up 19 tackles (15 solo) over the last two weeks. The slot cornerback also recorded his first career full sack - he had a split sack during his rookie season in 2022. With Mike Hughes moving outside this season, Alford appears to be thriving in a starting role.
Sep 24, 2024
Tallies 10 tackles Week 3
Alford finished Sunday's 22-17 loss to Kansas City with 10 tackles (seven solo).
ANALYSIS
Alford was the second-leading scorer for the Falcons on Sunday behind Troy Andersen (12). After playing just 29 defensive snaps in Week 1 against the Steelers, Alford has played 98 snaps on defense over the last two regular season games and has established himself as the slot corner alongside starters A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes. Alford has 17 tackles (12 solo) and one pass defended through the first three games of the year.
Sep 9, 2024
Operates as slot CB
Alford mustered two tackles (one solo) during Sunday's 18-10 loss to the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
With Mike Hughes moving outside, Alford has stepped up as the Falcons' starting slot CB in 2024. Alford played 31 defensive snaps in Week 1, which isn't enough to generate IDP value. The Steelers don't run many three-wideout sets anymore, so Alford may see more snaps when Atlanta faces a more pass-happy team.
Jan 17, 2024
Non-factor down the stretch
Alford finished 2023 with 41 tackles (25 solo), six pass defenses and one fumble recovery in 16 appearances. He also recorded 13 kick-return yards and 160 punt-return yards.
ANALYSIS
After being a regular defensive contributor for the first 14 weeks of the season, Alford was relegated to primarily operating on special teams over the final four games. He's under contract for one more season, but if the Falcons make any additions to their secondary this offseason, Alford's defensive role could become obsolete in 2024.
Nov 10, 2023
Ruled out for Week 10
Alford (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 10 game against the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
Alford got in a limited practice Thursday but was downgraded to DNP again Friday. Alford picked up the injury in Week 9. With the second-year cornerback out, the Falcons will need to replace his 71 percent playing time clip in the secondary. They have a number of different options.
Nov 9, 2023
Returns to practice Thursday
Alford (ankle) was a limited participant at practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
It's a step in the right direction for Alford after he was a non-participant at practice Wednesday. He'll still probably need to upgrade to full participation Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.
Nov 8, 2023
Misses practice
Alford (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Terrin Waack of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford exited Sunday's game against the Vikings with the injury and should currently be considered questionable for Week 10 against the Cardinals. If he is unable to play, Clark Phillips will likely handle nickel corner duties, while Mike Hughes and Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) would be candidates to handle return duties.
Nov 5, 2023
Questionable to return
Alford suffered an ankle injury during Sunday's game against the Vikings and is questionable to return, Terrin Waack of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Before exiting, the nickel corner and starting returner assisted on two tackles on defense and returned a kickoff and a punt for a combined five yards. Clark Phillips moved into his nickel corner spot and Mike Hughes and Cordarrelle Patterson are in line to take over his returning duties.
Sep 11, 2023
Splits punt-return duties
Alford recorded six tackles (four solo) during Sunday's 24-10 win over the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
Alford was solid as the team's top slot cornerback, finishing fifth on the team in tackles. However, his presence as a punt returner is also noteworthy. With Avery Williams, who handled punts in 2022, out for the year after tearing his ACL during an offseason workout, the Falcons are looking for someone to take hold of that position. Alford returned a punt for a touchdown during the preseason, but he split duties with Scotty Miller during the regular-season opener.
Aug 12, 2023
Returns punt for TD in opener
Alford recorded one pass defense across 13 defensive snaps and returned a punt for a 79-yard touchdown during Friday's preseason opener against the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
Alford, a 2022 undrafted free agent, saw expanded work as a rookie when Atlanta was dealing with numerous injuries to its secondary last year. He totaled 25 tackles, seven pass defenses, an interception and 0.5 sacks across 16 appearances (238 defensive snaps). Alford is battling for a roster spot in 2023, but he has a chance to carve out a role with Clark Phillips (leg) and Jeff Okudah (ankle) currently sidelined. Alford will also compete with newcomer Mike Hughes for punt-return duties, as Avery Williams, who handled punts in 2022, is out for the year after tearing his ACL during offseason workouts.
Oct 30, 2022
Good to go for Week 8
Alford (hamstring) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford missed the Falcons' Week 7 contest versus the Bengals due to a hamstring injury, but it appears like he'll be able to return to action Sunday against Carolina. With fellow defensive back A.J. Terell (hamstring) already ruled out this week, the 24-year-old is in line to operate as Atlanta's No. 2 cornerback this weekend behind Darren Hall.
Oct 28, 2022
Questionable against Panthers
Alford (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Michael Rothstein of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
If Alford's able to play, he'll likely slide into the starting role vacated by A.J. Terrell, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury of his own. Alford's injury appears to be less serious, but it remains to be seen whether he'll be capable of playing through it come Sunday.
Oct 26, 2022
Limited Wednesday
Alford (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Alford returning to practice in any sort of capacity is a great sign for Atlanta as he missed last week. Through his six games with the team he's recorded 15 tackles, one interception and two pass breakups. The cornerback will have two more chances to practice and recover prior to Sunday's contest against Carolina.
Oct 24, 2022
Labeled day-to-day by coach
Alford (hamstring) is considered day-to-day, per coach Arthur Smith, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford exited Atlanta's Week 7 loss to the Bengals due to the injury, but it sounds like he may not need to miss much additional time. His participation level in practice leading up to the Falcons' Week 8 matchup with Carolina should help dictate Alford's availability. The Falcons can ill afford to have him miss much time with fellow cornerback A.J. Terrell (hamstring) labeled week-to-week.
Oct 21, 2022
Won't face Bengals
Alford (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Alford suffered the injury during Atlanta's Week 6 win over the 49ers, and he played a season-low 11 snaps as a result. He has 15 total tackles, two passes defended and an interception through six games this season, so his absence will leave a gap in the Atlanta secondary. Mike Ford is a candidate to see more snaps in Alford's absence.
Aug 14, 2022
Shines in preseason opener
Alford collected eight tackles (six solo) and one interception during Friday's preseason opener against the Lions.
ANALYSIS
Alford operated as a backup to Casey Hayward and A.J. Terrell but ended up playing the majority of the game (46 defensive snaps). The undrafted cornerback out of Tusculum hasn't made much noise during training camp, but he made his presence felt during his first NFL action, finishing with a team-high eight tackles. He also arguably made the play of the game when he blanketed Kalil Pimpleton and dove to intercept a Tim Boyle pass during the Lions' first drive of the second half. Behind Hayward and Terrell, the Falcons' cornerback depth is questionable, so Alford should get plenty of opportunities to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
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