Jaylinn Hawkins Injury News & Updates

Hawkins posted five tackles (four solo) during the Patriots' 27-14 win over the Jets on Thursday.

Hawkins was nursing a shoulder injury during Week 11 prep, but it didn't seem to bother him Thursday as he played every single defensive snap while finishing tied for the third most tackles on the Patriots. The sixth-year safety has accumulated 43 tackles (32 solo), including 1.5 sacks, two interceptions and one fumble recovery across nine regular-season games.

Hawkins (shoulder) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice.

Hawkins was estimated as limited on Monday's practice report, but he's ready to roll for Thursday night's game against the Jets. Hawkins has picked up 38 tackles (28 solo), including 1.5 sacks, two interceptions and one fumble recovery across eight starts this season.

Hawkins (shoulder) was listed as a limited practice participant in Monday's injury report.

Hawkins likely picked up the injury during the Patriots' 28-23 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday, when he logged six tackles (four solo) while playing 66 of 69 defensive snaps. New England held a walkthrough Monday, so the sixth-year safety will have two more opportunities to increase his practice participation ahead of Thursday's AFC East clash against the Jets.

Hawkins recorded five tackles (four solo) and an interception during the Patriots' 32-13 win over the Browns on Sunday.

Hawkins was cleared to play Sunday after missing the prior two games due to a hamstring injury. The 2020 fourth-rounder played every single defensive snap and arguably made the play of the game in the third quarter, when he made a one-handed, diving pick on a deep pass intended for Isaiah Bond, which led to a 39-yard touchdown pass from Drake Maye to Kayshon Boutte five plays later. It was Hawkins' second interception of the season, which matches his career high from 2021 and 2022.

Hawkins (hamstring) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

A hamstring injury sidelined Hawkins for the Patriots' last two games, but the 2020 fourth-rounder is on track to return for Week 8 against the Browns on Sunday. Hawkins' return will mean less snaps at safety for Kyle Dugger, though rookie fourth-rounder Craig Woodson is nursing an ankle injury that prevented him practicing Wednesday.

Hawkins (hamstring) is inactive Sunday against the Titans.

Hawkins will be inactive with a hamstring injury for a second consecutive week. Kyle Dugger will once again get the start at strong safety while Hawkins continues to recover.

Head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday that Hawkins (hamstring) will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans.

Hawkins is hoping to avoid a second consecutive absence Sunday. Kyle Dugger would continue to fill in at strong safety if Hawkins sits out.

Hawkins (hamstring) did not participate at practice Wednesday.

Hawkins sat out his first game of the year in Week 6 with a nagging hamstring injury, and now his availability for Week 7 is in jeopardy. He'll likely need to return to practice Thursday or Friday to give himself a chance to suit up Sunday at Tennessee.

Hawkins (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Saints, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.

Hawkins played through his hamstring injury in New England's Week 5 win over the Bills, recording three total tackles, including 0.5 sacks, across 68 defensive snaps. However, the injury likely worsened during the win, as he began the Patriots' week of practice with consecutive DNPs and has since been ruled out for Sunday's contest. While Hawkins is sidelined in Week 6, Kyle Dugger is expected to step in and start at strong safety.

Hawkins (hamstring) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Hawkins was given the green light to play against the Bills on Sunday after working through a hamstring injury during Week 5 prep, and he finished that contest with three tackles (two solo), including 0.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery while playing every single defensive snap. The 2020 fourth-rounder is still working through the injury but would likely be cleared to suit up against the Saints on Sunday if he were to practice in full over the next two days.

Hawkins (hamstring) was a full participant in Friday's practice and does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Bills.

Hawkins steadily increased his practice participation last week while working through a hamstring injury, and the 2020 fourth-rounder has been cleared to play in Sunday's AFC East clash. Hawkins has 20 tackles (16 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and one interception through the first four games of the regular season.

Hawkins (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday.

Hawkins played just 57 percent of defensive snaps Week 4 after having been essentially an every-down starter the first three weeks of the regular season. It appears that change in workload was due to injury, making Hawkins' status unclear for Sunday's road divisional matchup against the Bills. He'll likely need to get back on the practice field Thursday and/or Friday to have a chance at playing Week 5.

Hawkins recorded four tackles (four solo) in New England's win over Carolina on Sunday.

After playing 99 percent of the Patriots' defensive snaps across the first three games of the season, Hawkins was in on just 57 percent of the downs against Carolina, as both Kyle Dugger (51 percent) and Dell Pettus (26 percent) played their highest defensive snap rates of the season. Through four contests, Hawkins has recorded 20 tackles (16 solo), including 1.0 sacks, and one pass breakup, including one interception.

Hawkins posted three tackles (two solo) in Sunday's loss to the Steelers.

Hawkins had a quiet performance after posting 13 tackles, including 1.0 sacks, and an interception through the first two weeks. He was on the field for every one of the Patriots' defensive snaps, which has been the case for two of the team's first three games this year.

Hawkins recorded five total tackles (all solo), including 1.0 sacks, and one interception in Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Raiders.

The 28-year-old safety appears to have emerged as the Patriots' top strong safety after starting just seven of 17 games in his first season with the team in 2024. Hawkins played 100-percent of the Patriots' defensive snaps in Week 1 and made a huge impact, picking off Geno Smith for his first interception since 2022. Additionally, Hawkins was one of three patriots to get after the quarterback Sunday, logging the first full sack of his career. He'll look to build on this impressive defensive performance when the Patriots face the Dolphins in Week 2.

The Patriots re-signed Hawkins to a one-year deal Wednesday, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com.

Hawkins will stay in New England for the 2025 campaign after having racked up 48 tackles (27 solo) and a fumble recovery in 17 games last season. He will likely serve as one of the top backup safeties behind Kyle Dugger (ankle) and Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) and can contribute on special teams as well.

Hawkins tallied 48 total tackles (27 solo) and defended one pass over 17 games in 2024.

The California product served as New England's top reserve safety this season, and with Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) missing nearly two months on the commissioner's exempt list, he had the opportunity start seven games. Hawkins was productive during his time on the field, posting the second-highest tackle total of his career while playing 581 defensive snaps. He's now set to become an unrestricted free agent after signing a one-year, $2.9 million deal with New England last offseason. Hawkins is likely to serve as a reserve safety again in 2025, whether with the Patriots or another team.

Hawkins recorded eight tackles (six solo) in the Patriots' loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.

Filling in for an injured Kyle Dugger (ankle), Hawkins made the start and played all 78 defensive snaps versus Miami. Dugger should return at some point in the coming weeks, but with Jabrill Peppers (shoulder) now facing legal issues, Hawkins could get an extended look on the back end. Dell Pettus started in place of Peppers alongside Hawkins against the Dolphins.

Hawkins has agreed to a one-year deal with the Patriots, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Hawkins split the 2023 regular season with the Falcons (six games) and Chargers (10 games), en route to combining for 14 tackles in that span. The 2020 fourth-rounder did rack up 84 tackles and two picks for Atlanta in 2022, but with the Patriots Hawkins figures to serve as a depth safety behind Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger.

The Chargers claimed Hawkins off of waivers Wednesday.

Hawkins will now head to Los Angeles after being waived by the Falcons on Tuesday. The 26-year-old could soon see playing with Alohi Gilman dealing with a heel injury.

Atlanta cut Hawkins on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Hawkins apparently took a step back after playing a major role for the Falcons' defense in 2022, and he's mostly been relegated to special teams duties through six games in 2023. Now he's set to become a free agent, leaving Atlanta with just three safeties on their 53-man roster.

Hawkins currently projects to be a reserve option in the Falcons' secondary in 2023, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Hawkins seems destined to back up Richie Grant at strong safety in 2023 after Atlanta signed free safety Jessie Bates in March. Hawkins was a very productive starter in 2022, recording 84 tackles, six pass deflections, two interceptions and a forced fumble while scoring a defensive touchdown over 16 games.

Hawkins produced 84 tackles (45 solo), six pass defenses, two interceptions, one forced fumble and a defensive touchdown across 16 appearances during the 2022 campaign.

After being a rotational piece in 2021, Hawkins earned a starting gig to begin 2022 and made the most of his opportunity by submitting a productive campaign. He missed just one game due to injury and recorded a career-high 84 tackles and six pass defenses. He also notched multiple interceptions for a second straight season and recorded his first career defensive touchdown. Barring an unforeseen change, Hawkins figures to start alongside Richie Grant to open the 2023 campaign, which will be the final year of Hawkins' rookie contract.

Hawkins doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Chargers, Scott Bair of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hawkins was sidelined for Week 8 due to a concussion he suffered in Week 7, but he was a full participant at each practice during Week 9 prep and is good to go for Sunday. The third-year safety has stepped up as a starter this season, posting 43 tackles, three pass defenses, one interception and one forced fumble across seven appearances.

Per coach Arthur Smith, Hawkins is in concussion protocol and won't play Sunday against the Panthers, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hawkins left Atlanta's Week 7 loss to the Bengals with what was originally deemed a head injury, but the safety appears to have suffered a concussion on the play. Smith ruling out Hawkins so early in the week suggests there's a distinct possibility that Hawkins' absence could stretch beyond Week 8.

Hawkins (head) recorded 11 tackles (seven solo) and a pass deflection in Sunday's 35-17 loss to the Bengals.

Before exiting Sunday's contest with a head injury, Hawkins matched his season high with 11 tackles. The safety was also able to notch his third pass deflection of the campaign in the contest. If he's forced to miss any time with the head injury, Dean Marlowe will likely take over at strong safety.

Hawkins has left Sunday's contest with the Bengals to be evaluated for a head injury, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hawkins will need to enter protocols if he suffered a concussion, which will certainly impact him for the week ahead. While he is out, Dean Marlowe should see extra opportunity.

Hawkins recorded 11 tackles (eight solo) during Sunday's 21-15 loss Tampa Bay.

After operating in a reserve role in each of his first two seasons, the 2020 fourth-round pick has stepped up as a starter during the 2022 campaign. He recorded six tackles and a pass defense in Week 1, but accrued modest results during the following three contests. Hawkins' season-high 11 stops in Week 5 certainly puts him on the radar for IDP leagues, but his increased production could've been due to Mykal Walker, Atlanta's leading tackler, leaving the contest due to a groin injury. Regardless, Hawkins is certainly a player worth monitoring, especially with bye weeks starting in Week 6.

Hawkins is the front-runner to start at free safety for Atlanta, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

It was assumed that last year's starter at the position, Erik Harris, had a leg up on Hawkins because he has four more years of NFL experience to bank on. It's not likely that the Falcons re-signed Harris this offseason just for the 32-year-old to play mentor to his junior Hawkins, so it's most reasonable to expect the two to rotate reps even if the latter ends up being the starter.

Hawkins was activated off of the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official website reports.

Hawkins was placed on the COVID list Dec. 29, forcing him to miss the team's Week 17 loss to the Bills. The safety will now return to the team in time for their final contest of the year against the Saints in Week 18.

Hawkins was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Over the last three games, Hawkins has been operating as the starting free safety in place of Erik Harris (pectoral), so his potential absence would be a big blow to Atlanta's secondary. If he's unable to clear protocols ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Bills, then Shawn Williams would likely draw the start opposite of Duron Harmon.

Hawkins could replace Erik Harris (pectoral) as the Falcons' starting safety, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Rothstein reports that Harris is going to need season-ending surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle, so Hawkins -- who replaced Harris on Sunday -- is expected to operate as the starting safety during Harris' absence. Hawkins played every defensive snap for Atlanta and recorded three tackles during the win Sunday.

Hawkins (ankle) is not in the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

The fact that Hawkins didn't appear in the injury report is a positive sign since he was unable to face the Patriots last week. Richie Grant has been seen extra snaps with Hawkins out, but all signs point toward him returning to the field this Sunday.

Hawkins (ankle) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Patriots, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hawkins will be absent for the second consecutive game, though he did manage three limited practices leading up to the game. That should bode well for his potential to return in Week 12 against Jacksonville. Richie Grant has picked up some extra work in Hawkins' absence.

Hawkins (ankle) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Cowboys, according to Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site.

The loss of Hawkins should thin the team's defensive depth, though this means Richie Grant might see extended playing time with Erik Harris handling the bulk of the snaps at free safety. It remains to be seen whether Hawkins will be available for the Falcons' next game against the Patriots next Thursday.

Hawkins didn't record a tackle, but he picked off a pass during Sunday's 30-28 win over the Dolphins.

Hawkins picked off a pass for the second straight game, but his lack of tackle production -- and playing time -- makes him a risky option even in deeper IDP leagues. Erik Harris suffered a shoulder injury during the win over the Dolphins, so if he is forced to miss time, the 24-year-old Hawkins may be in line for increased snaps, which could remedy his low tackle numbers.

Hawkins had one solo tackle, one pass breakup and one interception during Sunday's win over the Jets.

Hawkins nabbed the first interception of his two-year career, snatching a pass intended for Keelan Cole by Zach Wilson. With Erik Harris (calf) sidelined, Hawkins was called upon to handle 100 percent of defensive snaps. However, Harris will now have a bye week to try and get healthy.

Hawkins (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Lions.

The 23-year-old missed the past two games while in the concussion protocol, but he progressed to full practice participation Friday. Hawkins should return to his reserve role in the secondary now that he's healthy.

Hawkins (concussion) logged a limited practice session Wednesday, Jason Butt of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The fourth-round rookie has been unavailable since exiting Atlanta's Week 4 loss to the Packers with a concussion, but an appearance at practice foreshadows his return as soon as Sunday. Hawkins was not placed on injured reserve, meaning it was likely expected his absence would remain short term. If he is able to go against the Lions on Sunday, Hawkins will back up Keanu Neal at strong safety in a matchup against the NFL's 22nd-ranked passing attack.

Hawkins (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Vikings.

Hawkins didn't practice all week and will miss a second straight game as he recovers from a concussion he suffered Week 4 against the Packers. Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen will start at safety Sunday while Sharrod Neasman rotates in.

Hawkins was held out for the Falcons' practice session Wednesday, Jason Butt of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The fourth-round draft choice had been forced into a starting role Weeks 3 and 4, as the Falcons dealt with a cluster of injuries to the secondary. Hawkins exited Atlanta's Week 4 Monday Night Football loss to the Packers with a head injury, and he has yet to make it back on the field since. The 23-year-old will have to clear the NFL's concussion protocol before being able to return to practice. From there, the team can gauge if he's ready for game action.

Hawkins (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Panthers, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Hawkins didn't practice all week after suffering a concussion during Monday's loss to the Packers, so he'll sit out Week 5. The Falcons' secondary is getting healthy otherwise, so expect Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen to start at safety Sunday while Sharrod Neasman rotates in.

Hawkins (concussion) did not participate during Wednesday's practice session, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

The fourth-round rookie was inserted into the lineup for his second consecutive start Monday night, as Ricardo Allen (elbow) and Keanu Neal (hamstring) were both inactive going into the game. As Hawkins passes through the league's concussion protocol, the Falcons are left extremely thin in the secondary, causing the team to bring in veteran J.J. Wilcox for a visit Wednesday.

Hawkins left Monday's game against the Packers in the second quarter with a head injury and is questionable to return, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Hawkins is likely being looked at for a concussion. With Damontae Kazee also leaving early in the game due to an Achilles injury, the Falcons will be thin in the secondary the rest of the way.

Hawkins can expect to see an increase in defensive usage with Keanu Neal (hamstring) ruled out for the Falcons' Monday night matchup against the Packers, Jason Butt of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The fourth-round rookie from Cal has fielded a combined 28 defensive snaps Weeks 1 through 3, but he'll be thrust into a prominent role against Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers, who boasts a 67 percent completion rate and a 9:0 TD:INT in the early going of 2020. With Damontae Kazee in place as the starting free safety, Atlanta may have typically been afforded the luxury to shift over veteran Ricardo Allen (elbow) for some work at strong safety, but he has been ruled out for Week 4 as well because of injury.

Coach Dan Quinn said that Hawkins is settling into a strong safety role with the Falcons, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Quinn expanded Tuesday upon the reasons for why he believes Hawkins is best fitted for such a role. "He's a much stronger player than I remembered from Cal," Quinn explained. "He can play down in the box, he can use his hands on tight ends and backs." Having linebacker Deion Jones back in the rotation last year -- after he missed 10 games during 2018 because of a broken foot -- dramatically improved Atlanta's ability to cover players coming out of opposing backfields. The Falcons improved from a league-worst rank in RB catches allowed (123) to a much more respectable rank of 14th best (84) during 2019. Hawkins' addition only supports Atlanta's directive of further curtailing the impact of running back and tight end receiving threats.

The Falcons activated Hawkins from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Jason Butt of The Athletic reports.

Hawkins will count against Atlanta's offseason roster again and be eligible to join teammates at the early portion of camp. The rookie fourth-round pick could compete for depth snaps when practices ramp up mid-August.

The Falcons placed Hawkins (illness) on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday.

Hawkins has been automatically placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list due to either a positive test or exposure to the virus. The rookie fourth-round pick is expected to add depth to Atlanta's safety corps and contribute on special teams when available.