Jessie Bates III Injury News & Updates

Bates notched seven tackles (six solo) and a defensed pass Sunday in a 24-10 victory versus New Orleans.

Bates finished fourth on the Falcons in tackles in the victory. The veteran safety has now reached at least seven stops in seven of the team's 11 contests this season. Bates is up to 71 tackles through 11 games as he aims for his third straight regular season with triple-digit stops.

Bates recorded eight tackles (six solo) during the Falcons' 30-27 overtime loss to the Panthers on Sunday.

Bates played every single defensive snap for a third consecutive game (and eighth time this season) and finished second on the Falcons in tackles behind Ronnie Harrison (11). Bates is up to 64 tackles (32 solo), three pass defenses (two interceptions) and a forced fumble through 10 regular-season games.

Bates recorded nine total tackles (six solo), two passes defensed, including an interception, and a forced fumble in Sunday's 31-25 overtime loss to the Colts.

Bates as all over the field in Week 10, finishing second on the team in takedowns behind fellow safety Xavier Watts (11). Bates made his mark in the second quarter, picking off Daniel Jones on a deep ball intended for wide receiver Alec Pierce. The safety also stripped the quarterback in the first quarter, but the Colts were able to jump on the loose ball. Bates is now up to 56 total tackles (26 solo), three passes defensed, including two interceptions, and a forced fumble over nine games this year.

Bates (knee) does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Colts

Bates was able to log a full practice Friday on the way to being cleared of injury designation. He suffered a knee injury in Week 8 against Miami but was able to play all defensive snaps against the Patriots this past Sunday. The starting safety logged two total tackles along with an interception and a pass defended in the 24-23 loss and will be 100 percent for the Falcons' Berlin showdown with the Colts Sunday.

Bates (knee) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Bates first hurt his knee in Week 8 against Miami. He was able to play through the injury this past Sunday against New England and didn't miss a defensive snap. Bates then opened this week with a full practice session but was back on the injury report due to the knee issue as a limited participant Thursday. The Falcons are flying to Berlin, Germany on Thursday night for their Week 10 matchup against Indianapolis but will still hold a practice Friday, per Terrin Waack of the Falcons' official site. Bates' level of participation in that session should determine whether he'll head into the weekend with an injury designation.

Bates (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Patriots, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Bates suffered a knee injury during the Falcons' Week 8 loss to the Dolphins. He was a limited participant in each practice during Week 9 prep but has been given the green light to suit up. Bates has yet to miss a game this season, recording 45 tackles (19 solo) across seven games.

Bates (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Bates was a limited practice participant all week after sustaining a knee injury in the Falcons' Week 8 loss to the Dolphins. He's yet to miss a game this season, recording 45 total tackles through Atlanta's first seven games. However, if Bates is sidelined in Week 9, expect Jordan Fuller to start alongside Xavier Watts in the Falcons' secondary.

Bates (knee) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Bates sustained a knee injury during the Falcons' Week 8 loss against the Dolphins, but the veteran safety relayed after Thursday's practice that he feels confident that he'll be cleared to play against the Patriots on Sunday. Without the 2018 second-rounder, the Falcons would have to turn to either Jordan Fuller or DeMarcco Hellams to start at safety alongside Xavier Watts. Bates has tallied at least five tackles in six of the first seven games of the regular season, and his 45 stops is second most on the Falcons behind Kaden Elliss (48).

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

Bates is considered to be day-to-day after suffering a knee injury in the fourth quarter of the Week 8 loss to the Dolphins. His status in Thursday and Friday's practice sessions should provide more clarity on his availability for Sunday's matchup versus the Patriots. If the 28-year-old ends up being unable to play, DeMarcco Hellams would likely start at safety in his place.

Head coach Raheem Morris said Monday that Bates is considered day-to-day due to an ankle injury that he sustained against the Dolphins on Sunday, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Bates was officially ruled out early in the fourth quarter of this past Sunday's loss, finishing with six tackles (two solo) while playing 58 defensive snaps. The good news for Bates is that he has avoided a serious injury, but he is in jeopardy of being sidelined for the Falcons' Week 9 clash against the Patriots this Sunday. Jordan Fuller would likely step into a starting role alongside rookie third-rounder Xavier Watts if Bates were to miss time.

Bates suffered an ankle injury Sunday versus New England and has been ruled out for the remainder of the contest, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Bates was ruled out early in the fourth quarter. Prior to his exit, he tallied six tackles (two solo). DeMarcco Hellams and/or Jordan Fuller could log more snaps at safety in Bates' stead.

Bates registered 10 tackles (four solo) during the Falcons' 20-10 loss to the 49ers on Sunday.

Bates played every single defensive snap for a third consecutive game, and his 10 tackles were tied for most in the game with JD Bertrand and Malik Mustapha. Bates has recorded at least seven tackles in four of the first six games of the regular season, and he leads the Falcons with 39 tackles on the year.

Bates recorded seven tackles (four solo) in the Falcons' win over the Commanders on Sunday.

Bates delivered a dominant performance in the win, leading the team with seven takedowns. Throughout the first four games of the season, the 2018 second-round pick has compiled 24 tackles (10 solo), and he will look to keep up his high level of play following Atlanta's Week 5 bye.

Bates recorded three tackles (one solo) in Atlanta's win over Minnesota on Sunday night.

Bates played all 47 defensive snaps in the victory, as the Vikings couldn't sustain any drives and mustered just six points. Through two games to begin the season, Bates has piled up 10 tackles (three solo) on 100 percent of the defensive snaps.

Bates recorded six total tackles (two solo) in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Buccaneers.

Bates finished tied for the team lead in tackles in Week 1, playing all 56 of the team's defensive snaps. The safety is in his third season in Atlanta, and he remains one of the best players at his position in the league.

Bates recorded 102 tackles, including 1.0 sacks, along with 10 pass defenses (including four interceptions, one of which was a pick-six), four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery over 17 regular-season games.

Bates wasn't able to approach the career-high 132 stops he made in 2023, but he was still prolific as a tackler, notching his fifth career season with triple-digit stops. He also had two fewer interceptions than in the previous campaign, though he had twice as many pickoffs than anyone else on the Falcons and tied for 10th in the NFL in that category. For good measure, Bates recorded his second career pick-sick in Week 16 against the Giants and tied for fifth in the NFL with a career-best four forced fumbles. He's slated to be the centerpiece of Atlanta's secondary -- and an elite IDP option -- again in 2025, when he'll be in the third year of the four-year contract he inked in March of 2023.

Bates recorded 12 total tackles (seven solo), including 1.0 sacks, in Sunday night's 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders.

Bates led Atlanta's defense in total tackles while tying his season high in stops in a single game during Sunday's overtime loss. The Wake Forest product has seen a decrease in production from his first to his second year in Atlanta, having now recorded 97 total tackles, including 1.0 sacks, four passes defended and four forced fumbles while appearing in all 16 of the Falcons' regular-season games thus far. Expect Bates to continue starting alongside Justin Simmons as part of the Falcons' top safety duo in the Week 18 matchup against the Panthers.

Bates registered two solo tackles and an interception during Monday's 15-9 loss to the Raiders.

Bates logged his third interception of the regular season Monday on a Hail Mary pass from Desmond Ridder. Bates' two tackles were his lowest since Week 7, but he's played in 100 percent of the Falcons' defensive snaps in nine of 14 regular-season games. He's up to 83 tackles (50 solo), eight pass defenses (including three interceptions), four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Bates totaled nine tackles (four solo) in Sunday's 42-21 loss to the Vikings.

Bates finished second on the team in tackles behind Kaden Elliss in Sunday's loss. Bates has now racked up 81 tackles (48 solo) and two interceptions across his first 13 outings of the season.

Bates recorded 10 tackles (five solo) and a pass breakup in Sunday's 38-6 loss to the Broncos.

The free safety also played on 97 percent of the defensive snaps. Bates has 70 tackles (42 solo), six passes defensed, including two interceptions, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 2024.

Bates recorded five total tackles (three solo) and one interception in Sunday's 31-26 win over the Buccaneers.

The veteran safety picked off Baker Mayfield on the Buccaneers' first drive coming out of halftime, bringing his season total up to two interceptions. Bates has also accumulated 50 total tackles, four passes defended and three forced fumbles through Atlanta's first eight games. He's expected to continue starting alongside Justin Simmons as part of one of the the best safety duos in the NFL ahead of Week 9, when the Falcons host the Cowboys.

Bates finished Thursday's 36-30 overtime win over the Buccaneers with eight tackles (three solo) and two forced fumbles.

Bates was the leading tackler for the Falcons on Thursday. His first forced fumble didn't lead to a turnover, but Bates managed to punch the ball out of Bucky Irving's hands late in the fourth quarter, which was recovered by Kaden Elliss. Bates has played every single defensive snap through the first five games of the regular season, and over that span he has recorded 37 tackles (23 solo), three passes defended, one interception and two forced fumbles.

Bates recorded 12 tackles (seven solo), two pass defenses and one interception during Monday's 22-21 win over the Eagles.

After a quiet Week 1, Bates stole the defensive show during Monday Night Football. He posted a game-high 12 tackles and secured the Falcons' win after intercepting Jalen Hurts with 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Bates had a career-high six interceptions during his first season in Atlanta last year.

Bates is listed as a starting safety on the Falcons' official depth chart, Will McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

This isn't a surprise. However, the Falcons signing fellow safety Justin Simmons and trading for outside linebacker Matthew Judon late in training camp was a major surprise. The newcomers are listed as backups on the official depth chart, but that's expected to change as they get acclimated to head coach Raheem Morris' scheme. Bates starred during his first season in Atlanta last year, finishing with 133 tackles (89 solo), 11 pass defenses, six interceptions, three forced fumbles and one defensive touchdown across 17 appearances.

Bates finished 2023 with 132 tackles (89 solo), 11 pass defenses, six interceptions, three forced fumbles and one defensive touchdown in 17 appearances.

Bates joined the Falcons on a four-year deal last offseason after five campaigns in Cincinnati and immediately provided a spark to Atlanta's defense. He set career highs in tackles, interceptions and forced fumbles while notching his first defensive touchdown since his rookie campaign. Bates is a bonafide star in reality and fantasy and should be utilized as a defensive playmaker again in 2024, regardless of who's hired as the new head coach.

Bates finished Sunday's 37-17 loss to the Bears with 11 tackles (nine solo).

Bates reached double-digit tackles for the sixth time this season and has played 100 percent of the defensive snaps in 15 of his 17 games this season. He has a career-high 128 tackles this season -- second-most among safeties -- and his six interceptions is third in the NFL behind DaRon Bland and Geno Stone.

Bates registered six tackles (four solo), two pass deflections and an interception during the Falcons' 29-10 victory versus the Colts on Sunday.

Bates was dominant once again as he recorded his sixth interception of the season. The 2018 second-round pick is having a career year as he's already set new personal bests in both tackles and sacks in just 15 games played.

Bates recorded 10 tackles (six solo). in Sunday's 9-7 loss to the Panthers.

Bates was once again a very busy man in Week 15, reaching double-digit takedowns for the fifth time this season. The safety has now compiled 111 tackles (tied for career high) while intercepting five passes, deflecting nine others and forcing three fumbles over 14 contests so far in his first season with Atlanta.

Bates registered nine tackles (seven solo) and a pass deflection during Atlanta's 29-25 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Bates was productive once again for Atlanta as he logged the second most tackles on the team. Through 13 games this season, the 2018 second-round pick has compiled 101 tackles (67 solo) and a career-high five interceptions.

Bates recorded seven tackles (five solo) and one interception during Sunday's 13-8 win over the Jets.

Bates has recorded interceptions in back-to-back games, but unlike last week, he didn't return this one for a touchdown. However, he did tie Bud Dupree with a team-high seven tackles, giving him a strong fantasy floor. Bates was Atlanta's top free-agent signing this offseason, and he's been as advertised, notching four double-digit tackle outings and five interceptions through his first 12 appearances.

Bates recorded 12 tackles (7 solo), a pass deflection, a forced fumble and a pick six during Atlanta's 24-15 win over the Saints on Sunday.

Bates intercepted Derek Carr in the first quarter and ran it back 92-yards for his first touchdown since his rookie season. The 2018 second-round pick also led the team in tackles once again and has now compiled 85 (55 solo) to go along with four interceptions in 11 games this season.

Bates recorded 13 tackles (11 solo) during Sunday's 25-23 loss to Arizona.

Bates' production quieted down after a hot start this year, but he submitted a season-high performance Sunday and is on pace for a career year during his first season in Atlanta. Through 10 games, he's recorded 73 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles while playing nearly every single defensive snap.

Bates recorded eight tackles (five solo) and one forced fumble during Sunday's 23-7 loss to Jacksonville.

Given his start to the campaign, this can almost be considered a slow night for Bates. The 2018 second-round pick has been outstanding through his first four games with the Falcons, totaling 32 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Bates' production dipped during his final two campaigns in Cincinnati, but he's quickly reasserted himself as one of the top IDP options in 2023.

Bates recorded 11 tackles (six solo) and an interception during Sunday's 20-6 loss to the Lions.

Bates finished with a team-high 11 stops, marking his second double-digit tackle effort of the season. He also picked off an overthrown pass by Jared Goff at the end of the third quarter, giving him three interceptions through his first three games in Atlanta. Bates hasn't wasted any time asserting himself as an alpha with the Falcons, and he figures to be a top-tier IDP option moving forward.

Bates recorded 10 tackles (five solo), two interceptions, two pass defenses and one forced fumble during Sunday's 24-10 win over the Panthers.

After being a key cog for Cincinnati's defense the last five years, Bates opted for a payday this offseason and signed a four-deal with the Falcons, bolstering what was a bad secondary in 2022. The 2018 second-round pick wasted no time introducing himself to fans, forcing three turnovers while tying Troy Andersen with a team-high 10 tackles during an MVP-caliber effort in Week 1. Bates' first interception led to the first touchdown of the game, his second led to a game-tying field goal in the third quarter and his forced fumble led to a go-ahead score in the fourth. Bates certainly won't provide production like this on a weekly basis, but he's still one of the top IDP options moving forward.

Bates is in line to sign with the Falcons, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Bengals have lost both their starting safeties within the first few hours of the NFL's legal tampering period, seeing Bates depart for Atlanta shortly after Vonn Bell reached terms with the Panthers. The silver lining for Cincinnati is a big opportunity ahead for 2022 first-round pick Dax Hill, who played only 131 defensive snaps in 15 games as a rookie. Bates, meanwhile, immediately becomes one of the best players for an Atlanta defense that's been bad for the past half-decade. He has a good chance to rebound from last year's career-low 71 tackles, though big-play opportunities figure to be fewer and further between unless the Falcons improve considerably from 2022.

Bates had six tackles in the Bengals' loss to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. He finished the regular season with a career-low 71 tackles in 16 games, along with four interceptions, and now enters a free agent offseason where he's likely to sign elsewhere, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Bates was playing under the franchise tag this season after he and the Bengals tried but failed to come to a long-term contract agreement. He hasn't completely closed the door on returning, but won't leave money on the table either, and the Bengals also have to secure Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins to long-term deals soon.

Bates picked off Deshaun Watson for his third interception of the season in Sunday's win over the Browns. He also had three tackles.

Bates is no longer a tackle machine, but that's in part a function of the Bengals' defense playing better. Opposing runners are no longer reaching the second level as often, as defensive tackles D.J. Reader and BJ Hill are playing so well, as are linebackers Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson.

Bates recorded eight tackles (four solo) during Sunday's 27-24 win versus the Chiefs.

Bates had one of his strongest performances of the season as he led the team in tackles. After combining for just six tackles over the past two weeks, the former All Pro safety bounced back this week and helped limit Patrick Mahomes and one of the NFL's most explosive offenses. Bates will look to build off of this strong performance next week against the Browns.

Bates recorded 10 tackles (four solo) in Monday's 32-13 defeat against the Browns.

Bates finished as the Bengals' leading tackler in this blowout loss. The safety's production so far in 2022 has severely lacked compared to his previous four seasons, recording just 36 tackles (24 solo), two passes defended and an interception over eight games far this year. Bates will look to repeat this prolific performance against the Panthers this coming Sunday.

Bates is in great game shape despite missing all of training camp, Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com reports.

It appears that Bates will be ready for full-time snaps right away in Week 1. "I forget that he missed time to be honest with you," coach Zac Taylor said of Bates. "I think he did a really good job taking care of himself. We wanted to be cautious as we integrated him back into what we were doing. He's a got a great understanding of what we're doing and he's up to speed on any tweaks that we made and we expect him to be out there every down."

Bates signed his franchise tag with the Bengals on Tuesday, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Bates reported to training camp Tuesday for the first time this season and signed his $12.9 million franchise tag for 2022. The 2018 second-round pick had his worst statistical season last year, but he bounced back in the playoffs, recording more pass defenses (six) and interceptions (two) than he'd had during the regular season. He's played a prominent role in Cincinnati's secondary since he was drafted and should once again be on fantasy radars in IDP leagues.

Bates has reported to the Bengals, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Absent from camp after receiving the franchise tag this offseason, Bates apparently is ready to sign the tag and play out 2022 for $12.9 million. He'd get a deal for more than that per season on the open market, and the Bengals can tag him again next spring at a cost of around $15.5 million. Bates had his worst statistical season last year, but he bounced back and then some in the playoffs, recording more pass defenses (six) and interceptions (two) than he'd had during the entire regular season. He started his career with three straight years of 100-plus tackles and exactly three interceptions, dropping to 88 tackles and one pick in 15 regular-season appearances last year.

Bates won't report to Bengals training camp Tuesday with the rest of the team's veteran players, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

One of the NFL's premier safeties, Bates hit the ground running as a second-round pick in 2018 and hasn't looked back, averaging 110 tackles and 2.7 interceptions per 17 games played in four pro seasons. The Bengals predictably applied the franchise tag to Bates back in March, and after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on an extension before the July 15 deadline he's required to play out the upcoming campaign on the tag. With a holdout imminent, it remains to be seen how the situation will play out.

Bates has no intentions of reporting to training camp, nor playing on the franchise tag, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports.

Bates had the franchise tag applied to him by the Bengals in March, but he's yet to sign his contract tender and already skipped the team's voluntary OTAs. The 2018 second-round pick posted his least productive season of his career in 2021, totaling 88 tackles and one interception over 15 games, but his potential holdout would nonetheless be a huge blow to Cincinnati's defense in 2022. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Bengals' final offer guaranteed Bates only $4 million more over five years than the franchise tag would have paid him.

It's unlikely that Bates and the Bengals will come to terms on a contract extension before Friday's 4:00 p.m. deadline for franchise-tagged players, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Bates likely will either play on the franchise tag, which the Bengals applied to him in March, or else sit out the coming 2022 campaign. The 25-year-old has yet to sign his franchise tender and already skipped the team's voluntary OTAs due to his lack of an extension. Bates posted the least productive season of his career in 2021, totaling 88 tackles and one interception over 15 games, but his potential hold out would still be a significant loss for Cincinnati's defense.

Bates said he intends to take it day-by-day when asked if he'll join the Bengals for voluntary OTAs, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

The Bengals placed their franchise tag on Bates at the beginning of March. The two sides have until July 15 to work out a multi-year deal, but if they don't, Bates will operate under the terms of the franchise tag during the 2022 campaign, though his comments suggest he may be willing to sit out if he's unhappy with the negotiation progress.

The Bengals on Monday used their franchise tag on Bates, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.

Bates totaled 20 tackles (11 solo), six pass deflections and two interceptions across four postseason games. With the move, Cincinnati will have until July 15 to work out a multi-year contract with the safety, but if they don't, Bates will operate under a one-year tender during the 2022 campaign.

Bates recorded 88 tackles (67 solo), four pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery across 15 appearances in 2021.

Bates failed to reach the 100-tackle mark for the first time in his young career this season, though he did miss two contests. The 2018 second-round pick remains an every-down defensive starter for Cincinnati, and a notable IDP asset, but fantasy managers will hope for a more consistent 2022 campaign. This offseason, however, Bates is currently scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent.

Bates had nine tackles (eight solo) and one pass breakup during Sunday's overtime loss to the 49ers.

Bates played 100 percent of defensive snaps during Sunday's overtime loss, putting together his fourth game of the season with nine tackles. Though Bates hasn't yet logged a day with double-digit stops this year, he continues to provide a solid fantasy floor as a tackler. The Bengals will travel to Denver in Week 15.

Bates totaled eight tackles (six solo) and one interception during Sunday's 34-31 loss to the Jets.

Sunday's performance was Bates' fourth game with at least eight tackles this season. He now has 50 stops through seven contests this year and is on pace for his fourth straight 100-plus tackle campaign. The 24-year-old safety's fantasy value has a solid floor due to his tackling totals, but if he can continue to force turnovers, then his fantasy ceiling will grow exponentially.

Bates recorded seven tackles (four solo) during Sunday's win over the Ravens.

Bates tied Logan Wilson for a team-high seven tackles Sunday, and he now has 42 total tackles through six games this season. The 24-year-old safety has yet to force a turnover or record a sack during the 2021 campaign, so his fantasy ceiling is limited, but his tackle production makes him a viable option in deeper IDP leagues.

Bates (neck) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Bates missed last Thursday's win over the Jaguars, but he's back at practice with no limitations Wednesday. The 24-year-old should reclaim his starting role at free safety this weekend against Green Bay.

Bates (neck) has been ruled of the Bengals' Week 4 contest Thursday against the Jaguars, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.

Bates will miss his first-ever game since entering the NFL in 2018 as a second-round pick out of Wake Forest. The Bengals' starting free safety has had a strong start to the season so far, managing 22 tackles (16 solo) in three games. Expect Brandon Wilson to fill in for Bates Thursday night against the Jaguars.

Bates (neck) didn't participate in Tuesday's practice, Jay Morrison of The Athletic reports.

Bates has yet to miss a game since entering the league as a second-round pick in 2018. However, he has missed two straight practices, which doesn't bode well for that streak. Bates is a high-end option when he's on the field, as he's accrued 22 tackles (16 solo) so far. Brandon Wilson would likely start at free safety Thursday against the Jaguars if Bates can't go.

Bates produced nine tackles (six solo) in Sunday's 27-24 overtime win against the Vikings

Bates has been unhappy about not having a contract extension despite posting 320 tackles, 31 pass breakups and nine interceptions through his first three NFL seasons. The 2018 second-round pick is a strong weekly IDP option, especially with his upside in coverage.

Bates, who recorded eight tackles (five solo) in Sunday's loss to Baltimore, ended his season with 109 tackles (78), three interceptions, 15 passes defended and one forced fumble in 16 games.

Bates has played for the Bengals for three seasons now, all of which he managed to record triple digits in tackles, multiple interceptions and now a career high in pass breakups. The 24-year-old continues to show his defensive talent season after season and will remain doing so with Cincinnati for at least one more year, as his rookie contract runs through the 2021 season. The safety is yet to have his first NFL sack but will carry on having more opportunities in the upcoming campaign.

Bates made 13 tackles (10 solo) and forced a fumble in Sunday's 19-7 loss to the Dolphins.

Bates put up his fourth double-digit tackling performance of the season. He's up to 88 tackles through 12 games, putting him on track to reach a career high in the category. The 2018 second-round pick has already registered a career-high 13 pass breakups as well.

Bates registered 11 total tackles, one pass deflection and one interception during Sunday's 31-20 win against Tennessee.

Bates delivered a crucial takeaway in the early going, intercepting a Ryan Tannehill pass in the Bengals' end zone to snuff out a would-be scoring drive at the 5:16 mark of the first quarter. The 23-year-old safety was also Cincinnati's most involved tackler on the afternoon, notching five more in the tackle column than any other player on the defense. Bates may be on a collision course with his first Pro-Bowl nod, as he's already tied his career high with nine pass deflections after logging back-to-back 100-tackle years in 2018 and 2019.

Bates had seven tackles (six solo) and two passes defensed during Sunday's 27-3 loss to the Ravens.

Bates played every defensive snap for the third straight contest and is well on his way to another 100-tackle season. The 24-year-old has 39 tackles (22 solo) and seven pass breakups through five games.

Bates posted 10 tackles and two pass breakups in Sunday's 33-25 win over the Jaguars.

Bates hit double-digit tackles for the second time in three weeks, and he's piled up five pass breakups through four games. The 23-year-old safety is averaging eight tackles per game and is on track for a third straight 100-tackle campaign. With an every-down role locked in, Bates should be deployed accordingly in IDP formats.

Bates notched 10 tackles (three solo) during Thursday's 35-30 loss to the Browns.

Bates missed a handful of tackles on Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt during the Week 2 divisional loss, but he was far from the only problem for Cincinnati's run defense. The 23-year-old is coming off back-to-back 100 tackle seasons, making him a reliable fantasy option in IDP formats. He'll look to rack up numbers again against the Eagles in Week 3.

Bates accumulated 100 tackles (71 solo), nine defended passes, three interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery across 16 regular-season contests in 2019.

Bates has reached 100 total tackles in each of his two NFL seasons, solidifying his value as a solid IDP asset. The 22-year-old will reprise a starting role in Cincinnati's secondary when the 2020 season kicks off.