Jalen Mills Injury News & Updates

The Lions claimed Mills off waivers from the Texans on Wednesday.

Mills was waived by the Texans on Tuesday, just three days after being signed off the practice squad to the active roster. Now that he's with the Lions, Mills will give the team a much-needed boost in an injury-depleted secondary that consists of Kerby Joseph (knee), Brian Branch (Achilles) and Thomas Harper (concussion).

Mills was waived by the Texans on Tuesday.

Mills will be placed on waivers after registering four total tackles (one solo) over four contests with the Texans this season. If the safety goes unclaimed, there's a good chance that he returns to Houston as a member of the team's practice squad.

The Texans signed Mills to the active roster from their practice squad Saturday.

Mills had already been elevated the maximum three times, so signing him to the active roster was the only way he could play in another game. The 22-year-old should help provide extra depth at safety, as Jaylen Reed (forearm) was placed on injured reserve Saturday.

The Texans released Mills on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Mills signed with Houston earlier this month after spending much of the offseason as a free agent. The 31-year-old safety appeared in nine regular-season games for the Jets last season, recording 44 tackles (17 solo), six pass breakups, including one interception, and one forced fumble.

The Texans signed Mills to a contract Sunday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

With C.J. Gardner-Johnson (knee), Jaylen Reed (ankle) and Jimmie Ward (foot) all dealing with injuries, the Texans bolstered their safety depth by signing Mills on Sunday. Mills ended the 2024 regular season on the Jets' injured reserve due to a collarbone injury after logging 44 tackles (17 solo), six pass defenses (one interception) and one forced fumble across nine games.

The Texans worked out Mills (collarbone) on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Mills spent the last three weeks of the 2024 campaign on the Jets' injured reserve list with a collarbone injury, but he's now finally back in football shape as the 2025 preseason gets underway. He'd probably need to sign with a team soon to have any chance of making a final roster this year.

Coach Jeff Ulbrich said Wednesday that Mills (collarbone) will be placed on the Jets' injured reserve, Eric Allen of the Jets' official site reports.

Mills was forced out of Sunday's game at Jacksonville early by a collarbone injury, and now he'll have to sit out for the rest of the season as he recovers. His absence figures to open up additional snaps for Tony Adams at safety.

Mills was ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Jaguars with a chest injury, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.

Mill won't return for the second half after sustaining a chest injury earlier in the game. He'll now look to get healthy in time for next Sunday's game against the Rams. With Mills out and backup Tony Adams (nose) questionable to return, it's likely that Ashtyn Davis and Isaiah Oliver will hold down the secondary alongside Chuck Clark.

Mills is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Jaguars with a chest injury.

Mills logged four tackles and an interception before exiting during the first half. The 30-year-old was a top tackle-getter for the team after stepping into the starting free-safety role Week 7, but his playing time has gone down slightly over the last two games. In Mills' absence, expect Tony Adams and Ashtyn Davis to see increased usage in the Jets' secondary.

Mills recorded eight tackles (five solo), including a tackle for a loss, and a pass breakup in Sunday's 37-15 loss to the Steelers.

The safety who signed with the Jets' practice squad in September was playing in place of Chuck Clark (ankle) and Ashtyn Davis (head). Mills played in 17 regular-season games and on 443 defensive snaps for the Patriots in 2023, finishing with 45 tackles, a pass breakup and a forced fumble. Clark is on IR and can't return until Week 11 at the earliest, though Davis might come back as early as next week.

The Jets signed Mills (undisclosed) to their practice squad Monday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Mills was released from the Giants' active/non-football injury list with an injury designation in mid-August, but following his signing with the Jets' practice squad, it appears he's moved past his undisclosed issue. The 30-year-old corner appeared in 17 regular-season games with the Patriots in 2023, recording 45 total tackles and one pass defended over 443 defensive snaps.

The Giants released Mills (undisclosed) from the active/non-football injury list with a non-football injury designation Thursday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Mills began training camp on the active/NFI list due to an injury that remains to be disclosed, and he hasn't practiced since. Last season Mills suited up for all 17 regular-season games with the Patriots, racking up 45 total tackles, one pass breakup and one forced fumble.

The Giants placed Mills (undisclosed) on the active/non-football injury list Tuesday.

Mills will now be sidelined indefinitely, but he will still be eligible to practice and play in the preseason if activated off the NFI list. The 2016 seventh-round will now look to get healthy and compete for a backup role at safety.

The Giants are slated to sign Mills to a one-year contract, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Mills turns 30 next month and is coming off a three-year stint with the Patriots after spending the first five years of his career in Philly. Mills appeared in all 17 games last season, making eight starts, and finishing with 45 tackles (26 solo), one pass breakup and one forced fumble on just 40 percent of the defensive snaps. Mills figures to compete for the starting safety job alongside Jason Pinnock.

Mills has reportedly agreed to remain with the Patriots one a one-year deal worth up to $6.1 million, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.

Though there had been previous reports that the Patriots planned to release Mills, he's now in line to remain with the team after having agreed to a revised contract. Now presumably past the groin injury that slowed him late last season, Mills is slated to reprise his key role in New England's secondary, where the 28-year-old's ability to play either cornerback or safety is an asset. In 10 games in 2022, Mills recorded 31 tackles and two interceptions.

Mills and the Patriots agreed to a new contract Wednesday, Jordan Schultz of TheScore.com reports.

Mills was officially let go by the Patriots on Tuesday, but he's now re-signing with the team just one day later. The 28-year-old appeared in 10 games last season, recording a career-low 31 tackles while producing five pass deflections and two interceptions with New England. Mills is expected to return to safety in 2023 after he operated as a cornerback the last two years, which could increase his production back to where it was in 2020 with the Eagles when he started at free safety.

Mills (groin) is expected to be released by the Patriots on Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Moving on from Mills will save the Patriots around $5 million in salary cap space, allowing them to have more flexibility in free agency. The defensive back injured his groin in the team's regular-season finale, but he doesn't appear to be in danger of missing any time at camp wherever he ends up. Mills started 10 games with New England in 2022, compiling 31 tackles, two interceptions and five pass deflections. At age 28, he'll likely find another suitor in the near future.

Mills (groin) has been ruled out for the Patriots' regular-season finale against the Bills.

With Mills out, the Patriots have the potential to be very thin at cornerback, as Jonathan Jones (chest) is also considered questioanable. Thus, the likes of Myles Bryant, Marcus Jones, Tae Hayes and Shaun Wade could be in line for bigger workloads than usual.

Mills (groin) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Bills.

Mills was limited at practice Wednesday through Friday but will have a chance to suit up Sunday for the first time since suffering a groin injury in Week 12. Jonathan Jones (chest) is also listed as questionable, but New England's secondary is expected to have Marcus Jones available following a one-game absence due to a concussion.

Mills (groin) is inactive for Sunday's game against Miami.

Mills returned to a limited practice Friday after missing each of New England's past four games and failing to practice at all Wednesday or Thursday this week. The limited session wasn't enough to allow the cornerback to make it back to the field Week 17, but it bodes well for his chance of returning for the Patriots' season finale. Myles Bryant should again see more work Sunday in Mills' stead.

Mills (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Mills has missed the last four games due to a groin issue and was unable to practice Wednesday or Thursday, but he returned in a limited fashion Friday. Even if he's forced to miss at least one more game, he seems to be trending in the right direction.

Mills (groin) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Bengals, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reports.

Mills is now slated to miss his fourth consecutive contest as a result of the groin injury he sustained back in Week 12 versus Minnesota. Myles Bryant should once again receive an uptick in secondary snaps behind Jonathan Jones (chest) and Jack Jones (knee).

Mills (groin) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Mills was limited at practice earlier in the week before sitting out Friday. In his absence, Myles Bryant is the most likely candidate to replace him at cornerback.The absence will be his third straight due to a groin issue.

Mills (groin) will not play in Monday's matchup with the Patriots, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Mills was unable to practice this week and will now miss his second straight game while nursing a groin injury. In his absence, Myles Bryant figures to again see an increased role in the Patriots' secondary.

Mills (groin) was listed as a non-participant on the Patriots' injury report Thursday.

Mills popped up with a groin injury during New England's first practice Week 13 and was ruled inactive ahead of last Thursday's loss to the Bills. While it's unclear how this injury first came about, it appears significant enough to possibly keep him sidelined for the second game in a row against Arizona on Monday Night Football. Mills will now have two more practices to increase his activity before the Patriots have to assign him an official game status on Saturday's final injury report.

Mills (groin) has been ruled inactive against the Bills on Thursday Night Football, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Mills first popped up with a groin issue on Monday's injury report and was limited in practice leading up to Thursday. While the nature of this injury is still unknown, the 28-year-old cornerback is now set to sit out for just the second game this season. Mills has recorded 31 tackles, five passes defended and two interceptions in 2022, and his absence will leave Jack Jones, Myles Bryant and Marcus Jones to step up into bigger roles against the Bills' prolific passing offense.

Mills (groin) is questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Bills, Jordy McElroy of USA Today reports.

Mills was limited at practice throughout Week 13 prep and is officially listed as questionable. If he's unable to suit up Thursday, Myles Bryant and Jack Jones would be candidates for increased roles.

Mills (groin) was a limited participant in practice Monday.

Mills will start the week questionable for Thursday's game with the Bills, but he still has a couple of more days to prove he's healthy enough to play. If Mills were unable to suit up, Myles Bryant and Jack Jones would likely be looking at increased opportunities.

Mills is active for Sunday's contest against the Lions.

Mills will make his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury during the team's Week 3 loss to the Ravens. The veteran defensive back played the majority of New England's defensive snaps when healthy, but he may be limited during his return to action following a one-game absence.

Mills (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Week 5's contest against the Lions.

Mills suffered a hamstring injury Week 3 against the Ravens and has been unable to play since. The cornerback has recorded 10 tackles (eight solo), one interception and one pass breakup through his three games. Myles Bryant might see an increased role if Mills is unable to play Sunday against the Lions.

Mills (hamstring) will not play Sunday against the Packers, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Mills suffered the injury against the Ravens last Sunday. Despite logging a limited practice Friday, Mills will still need more time to recover. In his absence, Myles Bryant and Jack Jones will likely see increased opportunity.

Mills (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice Friday.

Mills suffered the injury in Week 3's loss to the Ravens. If he's unable to go in Week 4 against the Packers, it'll be a blow to the team's secondary, while Myles Bryant or Jack Jones will likely see an uptick in snaps.

Mills suffered a hamstring injury in the team's 37-26 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.

Mills suffered the injury late in the game, and the severity of it is still unknown. He was able to record two tackles before exiting the contest.

Mills registered six tackles and one interception during Sunday's 17-14 win over the Steelers.

Mills finished second on the team in tackles behind Myles Bryant, who notched a team-high eight stops, and intercepted a pass intended for Diontae Johnson in the first quarter, marking his first pick since 2020. In his first season with New England, Mills totaled 47 tackles, and seven pass defelections across 16 appearances last year. He figures to garner a similar role in 2022.

Mills was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Mills spent six days in COVID protocols and was forced to miss the Patriots' playoff loss to the Bills on Saturday. The 27-year-old finished his season with 47 tackles (35 solo), seven passes defensed and a fumble recovery in 16 contests.

Mills did not travel with the Patriots and will remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday, Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com reports.

Mills landed in COVID protocols Tuesday and had a chance to return in time for the playoffs but it doesn't seem like that will happen. Hannble's report adds that D'Angelo Ross and Daniel Ekuale have been called up as COVID-19 replacements ahead of Saturday's wild-card game with the Bills. Mills' absence will be a blow to the Patriots' secondary and likely lead to extra opportunity for Joejuan Williams and Myles Bryant.

Mills (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

The cornerback will now enter league protocols surrounding COVID-19, putting his availability for Saturday's Wild Card matchup against the Bills in significant doubt. If Mills is unable to play in the contest, Myles Bryant will likely step into a starting role in the Patriots' secondary.

Mills (arm) has returned to Sunday's game against the Browns, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Apparently, Mills' injury was not as serious as originally expected and has returned to action, providing a boost to New England's defensive unit.

Mills (arm) is questionable to return Sunday against the Browns.

Mills suffered the injury at the beginning of the game and it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to return to action. If he's unable to continue playing, then Joejuan Williams will be in line to see an uptick in his playing time.

Mills (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against Dallas.

Mills practiced in limited fashion Friday and while he was tabbed as a game-time decision, in the end, he's been included on the active roster. He is set to return from a one-game absence.

Mills (hamstring) is considered questionable for Sunday's game gainst the Cowboys.

After practicing in limited fashion Friday, Mills will test things out pregame before the team determines his status for Sunday's contest. He is looking to return from a one-game absence.

Mills (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Texans, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

With Mills ruled out, Joejuan Williams is likely to start at cornerback for the Patriots opposite J.C. Jackson on Sunday. Mills, who has recorded 12 tackles in four games to date, will now look to bounce back in time to suit up for New England's Week 6 contest against Dallas.

Mills (ankle) is active for Sunday's Week 1 matchup against the Dolphins.

Mills was limited in practice Friday due to an ankle injury and was initially listed as questionable for Sunday's season opener. However, he'll be able to suit up and should take on a starting role since Stephon Gilmore (quadriceps) is on the reserve/PUP list to begin the year.

Mills (ankle) is listed as questionable after being limited in practice Friday, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Mills agreed to a four-year deal with the Patriots this offseason and was in line to draw the Week 1 start with Stephon Gilmore on the PUP list. If Mills is unable to go, Jonathan Jones and Shaun Wade are the most likely candidates to take his snaps.

Mills agreed to a four-year, $24 million contract with the Patriots on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports.

Mills should help beef up New England's secondary after recording a career-high 74 tackles with the Eagles last season. The safety turns 27 in April, so this contract should lock Mills up through the remainder of his prime years.

The Eagles activated Mills (undisclosed) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, according to the league's official transaction report.

Mills missed Philadelphia's regular-season finale against Washington in Week 17 due to the timing of his placement on the COVID-19 list. The 26-year-old cornerback is now eligible to return to all team facilities, but considering that he's set to hit free agency this offseason, Mills' time with the Eagles may already essentially be up.

The Eagles placed Mills (undisclosed) on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.

Mills missed Thursday's practice due to an illness, but it remains uncertain whether he's tested positive for COVID-19 or only been deemed a close contact of someone who has. Even if Mills is deemed a close contact he'd need to spend at least five days on the COVID list, which would rule him out for Sunday's game against Washington. Marcus Epps and Rudy Ford will likely handle increased roles in his stead.

Mills (illness) did not practice Thursday.

Mills will have one more chance to take the practice field prior to Sunday's divisional matchup in Washington. If he can't go, however, Marcus Epps and Rudy Ford will be candidates for increased roles.

The Eagles likely will use Mills in a hybrid role similar to the one Malcolm Jenkins handled in past seasons, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Zangaro points to a Week 11 game against New England as evidence Mills can be more than just an outside cover corner. His stellar performance in that contest may have contributed to the Eagles' decision to let Jenkins leave for New Orleans in free agency, with Mills representing a cheaper alternative for the hybrid safety/slot role. That's not to say there won't be any drop off, but Mills does have an opportunity to approach Jenkins' IDP production from six seasons in Philadelphia -- averages of 85.8 tackles, 9.7 pass defenses, 2.0 forced fumbles, 1.8 interceptions and 1.0 fumble recovery per year. Of course, Jenkins started all 16 games in each of those seasons, while Mills missed 15 contests over the past two years alone.

Mills and the Eagles agreed to terms on a one-year contract Tuesday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The 25-year-old will return to the Eagles after an injury-riddled 2019 campaign limited him to just nine games. Mills produced career-lows last season, producing 41 tackles (29 solo), an interception and seven pass breakups. Mills has been inconsistent in coverage during his tenure with the Eagles, so as Mike Kaye of NJ.com points out, Mills will likely operate as a hybrid player next season. A move to safety could be in the cards for the former 2016 seventh-round pick, as veteran Malcolm Jenkins is set to test free agency this offseason.

Mills recorded 41 tackles (29 solo), an interception and seven pass breakups in nine games during the 2019 season.

All of the above numbers represent career-lows for Mills except for the interceptions and games-played totals, each of which is just one fewer. The 25-year-old missed the first six weeks of the season recovering from a foot sprain and also dealt with elbow and ankle injuries during the season. He heads into the offseason due to become an unrestricted free agent.

Mills (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Mills was limited in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, but he now appears back to full health. He's on track to draw his usual start at cornerback during Sunday's playoff contest against Seattle.

Mills (ankle) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Mills suffered the injury in last week's win over the Cowboys, and as evidenced by this news, will miss a must-win Week 17. With the 25-year-old sidelined for the game, look for Avonte Maddox and Sidney Jones to see an increase in snaps.

Mills (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Mills sustained the injury during last Sunday's win over the Cowboys and worked as a limited practice participant all week. The 25-year-old briefly left the game last week but played through the injury, and there's a good chance he does so again Week 17.

Mills is considered day-to-day after sustaining an ankle injury in Sunday's win over the Cowboys, Daniel Gallen of The Harrisburg Patriot-News reports.

Mills missed a few drives but was able to return to the game. However, he's still hurting, and his practice status could be limited this week. Considering the 25-year-old was able to return, he should be ready for Sunday's potentially playoff-clinching matchup against the Giants.

Mills (elbow) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against Washington.

Mills picked up an elbow injury during Monday's win over the Giants, but he already appears back to full health. The 25-year-old cornerback stands to draw his usual start in Washington on Sunday.

Mills (elbow) was estimated as a limited participant on Wednesday's practice report.

Mills was labeled day-to-day after suffering the elbow injury during Monday's win over the Giants, but it's still good to see he was expected to work as a limited participant despite the short turnaround. The 25-year-old should be able to avoid an injury designation for Week 15 if he can practice fully Thursday or Friday.

Mills is considered day-to-day after suffering an elbow injury during Monday's 23-17 win over the Giants.

Mills returned and finished the contest, and the team believes he should be able to play through the injury with the help of a brace. If the fourth-year corner suffers a setback, however, Rasul Douglas is slated to start in his place.

Mills is questionable to return to Monday's game against the Giants with an elbow injury.

Mills headed to the locker room midway through the second half. Rasul Douglas figures to fill in for Mills as long as he is out.