Mike Hughes Injury News & Updates

Hughes tallied six solo tackles and an interception during the Falcons' 37-9 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday.

Hughes picked off a Sam Darnold pass that was tipped by A.J. Terrell early in the second quarter, though the Falcons weren't able to convert the turnover into points after Zane Gonzalez's 50-yard field goal was blocked by Nick Emmanwori. Not only was it Hughes' first interception of the season, but it was also his first pick since Week 1 of the 2021 campaign as a member of the Chiefs. The veteran corner is up to 51 tackles (40 solo) and seven pass defenses through 11 regular-season games.

Hughes (neck) was a full participant at practice Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes has missed Atlanta's last two contests due to a lingering neck issue, but it appears he's back in playing shape to begin Week 12 prep. He projects to start on the boundary opposite A.J. Terrell against a pass-first New Orleans offense Sunday.

Hughes (neck) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes was limited in all three practices during Week 11 prep but he will be sidelined for a second consecutive game due to a neck injury. With Dee Alford (concussion) also inactive, the Falcons may move Billy Bowman from slot to outside corner or start Mike Ford, Natrone Brooks or Cobee Bryant opposite A.J. Terrell. Hughes' next opportunity to play is Week 12 against the Saints on Sunday, Nov. 23.

Hughes (neck) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Panthers, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Hughes was sidelined for the Falcons' Week 10 loss to the Colts due to a neck injury, but following a week of limited practice sessions, he's got a chance to return Sunday. The 28-year-old is one of Atlanta's top outside corners, recording 33 total tackles and five passes defended over eight appearances this season. If he's forced to miss his second consecutive game in Week 11, expect Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman to have expanded roles in the Falcons' secondary.

Hughes (neck) logged a limited practice Wednesday, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes was sidelined for the Falcons' Week 10 loss to the Colts after turning in limited practices throughout the week. His participation Wednesday doesn't represent a step forward, though he still has a chance to suit up for a Week 11 matchup against the Panthers for the time being.

Hughes (neck) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Colts in Berlin, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes had not only played in each of Atlanta's first eight games of the season, but he had also taken the field for every snap on defense, logging 33 tackles and five pass breakups along the way. However, after he popped up on the Falcons' injury report Wednesday due to a neck issue, Hughes wasn't able to advance beyond limited practice participation throughout Week 10 prep and will now be sidelined for the international game. On a positive note, Atlanta will return Billy Bowman (hamstring) from a four-game absence this weekend, and he could step into a starting role as the Falcons' nickel cornerback, which would allow Dee Alford to shift to the outside and cover Hughes' usual spot on the perimeter.

Hughes (neck) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

If Hughes is unable to suit up Sunday morning in Berlin, Natrone Brooks could step into a starting role at outside cornerback. Hughes has 33 tackles (22 solo) and five passes defensed this season.

Hughes was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a neck injury, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Hughes played every single defensive snap and logged five tackles (three solo) during Atlanta's Week 9 loss to New England. He appears to have come out of that contest with a neck issue, but he would avoid an injury designation against the Colts on Sunday if he were to practice fully over the next two days. The veteran corner has 33 tackles (22 solo) and five pass defenses through eight regular-season games.

Hughes (shoulder) is slated to re-sign with the Falcons on a three-year, $18 million contract, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Hughes started all 15 of his regular-season appearances with Atlanta in 2024, recording a career-high 66 tackles (51 solo), plus six passes defensed. He prematurely exited the team's Week 18 finale against Carolina due to a shoulder injury, but there have been no indication that the issue will be anything to worry about by the start of offseason activities. Hughes figures to reprise a starting role opposite A.J. Terrell at outside corner.

Hughes (shoulder) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Panthers, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.

Hughes injured his shoulder in the first half of Sunday's game, and it appears serious enough for him to be ruled out for the rest of the contest. Clark Phillips will serve as the second outside corner opposite A.J. Terrell for the rest of the contest.

Hughes (shoulder) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Panthers, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes was cleared to return to Sunday's game after suffering a head injury, but he has exited for a second time due to a shoulder issue. Clark Phillips will likely fill in at outside corner opposite A.J. Terrell for as long as Hughes is sidelined.

Hughes recorded six total tackles (three solo) in Sunday night's 30-24 overtime loss to the Commanders.

Hughes continued his hot stretch in Week 17, reaching at least six takedowns for the third game in a row. Over those contests, the cornerback has compiled 19 total tackles (12 solo) and three passes defensed. On the year, Hughes has now registered a career-high 65 total tackles (50 solo) and six passes defensed over 14 games.

Hughes (neck) is active for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Hughes missed the Falcons' last two games due to a neck injury he suffered in Week 10 against the Saints. He was a full participant in practice all week, and he's progressed in his recovery enough to return to action Sunday. Hughes will reclaim his starting outside corner spot from Clark Philips.

Hughes (neck) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Hughes was a full participant in practice this week but still got slapped with the questionable tag for Week 14. He was injured in Week 10 and has missed the Falcons' last two games. Clark Phillips has been filling in at cornerback in Hughes' absence.

Hughes (neck) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes missed the Falcons' last two games due to a neck injury sustained in a Week 10 loss to the Saints, but Wednesday's full practice session suggests that he's since recovered. With Hughes back at full health, he's expected to start opposite A.J. Terrell as part of Atlanta's top outside cornerback duo in Week 14, when the Falcons travel to Minnesota.

Hughes (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Despite participating in Friday's practice in a full capacity, Hughes will miss his second straight game due to a neck injury he suffered against the Saints in Week 10. While he won't play Sunday, the fact he was able to practice this week is a good sign that Hughes should be able to return for Week 14 against the Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 8. Clark Phillips will likely serve as the Falcons' second starting outside corner Sunday alongside A.J. Terrell due to Hughes' injury.

Hughes (neck) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Daniel Flick of SI.com reports.

The veteran cornerback was held out of the Falcons' Week 11 loss to the Broncos after sustaining a neck injury the week prior. Hughes has appeared in 10 games this season, recording 46 total tackles and three passes defended. If he's forced to miss his second consecutive game with this neck issue in a Week 13 matchup against the Chargers, expect Clark Phillips to see additional work in Atlanta's secondary.

Head coach Raheem Morris told reporters Friday that Hughes (neck) won't play in Sunday's matchup against the Broncos, Amna Subhan of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes was unable to practice both Thursday and Friday after sustaining a neck injury in the Falcons' Week 10 loss to the Saints, so it's no surprise he's been ruled out for Week 11. Expect Kevin King and Clark Phillips to see increased work with Atlanta's first-team defense while Hughes is sidelined Sunday.

Hughes (neck) was listed as a DNP on Thursday's injury report, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's estimated injury report, but he was held out of practicing with helmets and pads Thursday. Hughes is recovering from a neck injury that knocked him out of the Falcons' Week 10 game over the Saints, and if he doesn't practice Friday, he'll likely be sidelined for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Hughes (neck) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes left Sunday's game against the Saints due to a neck injury, but an MRI on Monday came back clean, which cleared the 2018 first-round pick to practice this week. Wednesday's session was a walkthrough, so his practice participation over the next two days will provide a clearer idea of his status heading into Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Hughes underwent an MRI on his neck Monday and has been cleared to practice, Daniel Flick of SI.com reports.

Hughes suffered the injury in Sunday's loss to the Saints and his clear MRI is good news for the UCF product. It's not clear though if he's all set to play Sunday against the Broncos. A more specific answer to that question will likely come when the Falcons release their first injury report Wednesday.

Hughes hurt his neck in Sunday's game against New Orleans and is questionable to return, Marc Raimondi of ESPN.com reports.

Hughes was hurt in the first half and has since been deemed questionable to return. He was replaced at cornerback by Clark Phillips. Hughes has been a key member of Atlanta's secondary this season, tallying 45 tackles (38 solo) and three defensed passes over nine contests entering Sunday.

Hughes notched seven solo tackles during Sunday's 26-24 win over the Saints.

Hughes has recorded at least five tackles in each game thus far, totaling 25 stops. He has adjusted to playing outside cornerback well and is on pace for a career-high campaign. He notched a career-high 51 tackles in 2022 while playing for the Lions.

Hughes registered seven solo tackles during Sunday's 18-10 loss to the Steelers.

Hughes was Atlanta's slot cornerback last season, but he's shifted outside this year, operating as the No. 2 CB opposite A.J. Terrell. Hughes was briefly benched for Clark Phillips in Week 1, and Kevin King, who was up from the practice squad, also saw two defensive snaps, so it's unclear how safe Hughes' starting role is. Regardless, Hughes played 57 of Atlanta's 68 defensive snaps and will have some IDP value as long as he's on the field that often.

Hughes is the starting cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell to begin training camp, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Hughes is working ahead of second-year CB Clark Phillips and veteran Kevin King, but Kendall added the Falcons may be in the market for a free-agent cornerback, noting Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, Adoree' Jackson and J.C. Jackson are all still available. Hughes operated mostly as a slot cornerback while mixing in some return duties last year, his first in Atlanta.

Hughes is the starting cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell to begin training camp, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Hughes is working ahead of second-year CB Clark Phillips and veteran Kevin King, but Kendall added the Falcons may be in the market for a free-agent cornerback, noting Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, Adoree' Jackson and J.C. Jackson are all still available. Hughes operated mostly as a slot cornerback while mixing in some return duties last year, his first in Atlanta.

Hughes finished 2023 with 21 tackles (14 solo) and one pass defense in 15 appearances. He also recorded 46 kick-return yards and 67 punt-return yards.

Hughes signed a two-deal deal with the Falcons last offseason after a strong campaign with Detroit. He operated primarily as a return man to open 2023, but he slowly relinquished those duties to Dee Alford and started to carve out a defensive role. Hughes is under contract for one more season and figures to garner a similar role in 2024, though Atlanta may look to revamp its cornerback room behind A.J. Terrell this offseason.

Hughes (concussion) is good to go for Sunday's matchup with the Saints, Scott Bair of the Falcons' official website reports.

Hughes has cleared the league's five-step concussion protocol and is set to take on his usual role providing depth at cornerback. He will also be available to contribute on special teams.

Hughes is being evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bears, Terrin Waack of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes appeared to sustain a head injury in the third quarter and was taken to the medical tent to be evaluated for a concussion. He leaves the game with three tackles (two solo).

Hughes (hand) is active for Sunday's game against Buccaneers, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

The cornerback missed the Falcons' Week 13 win over the Jets but practiced throughout the week leading up to this game. Hughes should step into a bigger role with Jeff Okudah out with an ankle injury.

Hughes (hand) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

The 26-year-old joins both A.J. Terrell (concussion) and Jeff Okudah (ankle) in being listed as questionable for Sunday's affair, meaning Atlanta could be without three of its top four cornerbacks. Hughes was able to record a full week of practice though, so he'll likely return to the field after missing the Falcons' Week 13 contest.

Hughes (hand) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice session, Amna Subhan of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes sustained the hand injury in Week 12 against the Saints. He was able to finish the game but was forced to sit out for Week 13 against the Jets. Hughes' full participation in practice Wednesday indicates that he's on track to return for Sunday's NFC South clash against the Buccaneers.

Hughes (hand) is inactive Sunday against the Jets, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes suffered the injury in Week 12 and was able to return to the game, but he'll ultimately miss Week 13 due to the injury. In his absence, Tre Flowers and Clark Phillips will be candidates to see an uptick in snaps.

Hughes (hand) is back in the game Sunday after leaving earlier in the first half, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.

Hughes should return to his backup right corner role behind Jeff Okudah. The sixth-year pro has three tackles in the game and nine this season.

Hughes left Sunday's game against the Saints with a hand injury and is questionable to return, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

The backup cornerback recorded one tackle before exiting. Hughes has nine tackles this season.

Hughes returned two kickoffs for 27 yards and three punts for 11 yards during Sunday's 20-6 loss to the Lions.

Hughes has handled kick- and punt-return duties in back-to-back weeks after Scotty Miller and Dee Alford shared those responsibilities in the season opener. Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh) has yet to suit up this season, but when he's available, he should handle more kick returns than he has in previous years. However, Hughes appears to have solidified himself as the punt returner, a vacancy opened by Avery Williams' season-ending knee injury during training camp.

Hughes returned two punts for 20 yards and one kickoff for 19 yards during Sunday's 25-24 win over the Packers.

Hughes was a healthy scratch for the season opener, but he suited up for Week 2 and handled return duties. Scotty Miller and Dee Alford shared those responsibilities in Week 1, so it appears the Falcons are still trying to figure out who their best option is.

Hughes (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Panthers, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Hughes has been dealing with a hip flexor injury since mid-August but did return to practice Monday. With Hughes and running back Cordarrelle Patterson (thigh) both out, it's unclear who will return kicks for the Falcons.

Hughes (undisclosed) is back at practice Monday, Terrin Waack of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes has been sidelined since mid-August due to an undisclosed soft tissue injury injury. Being absent most of the preseason may have cost Hughes a chance to compete for a starting gig on defense, but for Sunday's regular-season opener against the Panthers he should still contribute as a depth option at cornerback, and as Atlanta's top punt returner.

Hughes (undisclosed) will likely remain sidelined for the remainder of the preseason, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.

Hughes is dealing with a soft tissue injury, although the specifics are unknown. The 26-year-old was expected to be in competition for a starting spot, so it's unlikely his potential absence for the remainder of camp will impact his ability to make the roster. Although, it will likely keep him in a reserve role for Week 1 if he's healthy enough to compete then.

Hughes is dealing with a soft-tissue injury Sunday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Hughes will likely miss a week or so, according to head coach Arthur Smith. The UCF product was in competition for a starting gig in the team's secondary, so it'll be important for him to get back on the field to remain in the mix there.

Hughes split first-team reps with Tre Flowers during Saturday's practice, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Flowers saw first-team reps after Jeff Okudah was carted off the field during Friday's practice with an ankle injury, but it appears the Falcons will also give Hughes a chance to compete for the vacant starting spot. Okudah will miss at least the first few weeks of 2023, so there'll be plenty of snaps available across from A.J. Terrell. Hughes appeared in 16 games for the Lions in 2022, including a career-high six starts, and has flashed potential as a playmaker.

Hughes signed a two-year contract with the Falcons on Monday.

Hughes appeared in 16 games for the Lions in 2022, including a career-high six starts. He has experience playing both outside and in the slot, which should help Hughes fill a depth cornerback role in Atlanta.

Hughes (illness) is active for Sunday's game at the Jets, Rich Cimini of ESPN reports.

After coming down with an illness Thursday, Hughes appears set to play in Week 15. He should rotate behind Jeff Okudah and and Will Harris on Sunday.

Hughes is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Jets due to an illness, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Hughes failed to practice Thursday and Friday due to an illness, but he'll still have a chance to suit up Sunday. However, if the slot cornerback is sidelined, Amani Oruwariye and Jerry Jacobs would be candidates for increased snaps.

Hughes recorded seven tackles (six solo) during Sunday's 34-23 win over the Vikings.

Hughes played all but two defensive snaps this past weekend versus Minnesota, and two of his seven stops were made behind or at the line of scrimmage. With fellow cornerback Will Harris (hip) still questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Jets, Hughes could once again find himself in a busy role Week 15.

Hughes (knee) was a full participant in practice Wednesday.

Hughes was ruled out for Week 8 against Miami due to a knee injury, but he was back at full strength for Wednesday's practice session. He's racked up 22 tackles (15 solo) through six contests in 2022.

Hughes (knee) is out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Hughes suffered the injury during the Lions' Week 7 loss to Dallas and was unable to practice throughout the week. He has held a consistent role in Detroit's secondary throughout the season, racking up 22 total tackles. Jerry Jacobs is likely to see an increased role as a result of Hughes' absence.

Hughes signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Lions on Monday, Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus reports.

Hughes appeared in all 17 games a season ago with Kansas City, finishing with 47 tackles (40 solo), six passes defensed, one interception, one touchdown, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He was also utilized on special teams, totaling 25 kick return yards and 68 punt return yards. Hughes will be considered one of the top corners in Detroit, alongside Amani Oruqariye and Jeff Okudah.

Hughes recorded nine tackles (eight solo), two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in Sunday's 48-9 win over the Raiders.

Hughes led the Chiefs in tackles and was responsible for two turnovers including a fumble returned for a touchdown on the game's first play from scrimmage. The game marked the first time this season Hughes has played on every defensive snap as he started in place of L'Jarius Sneed (personal) who was ruled inactive prior to the game. It is unlikely Hughes would see similar usage once Sneed returns to the starting lineup.

The Vikings traded Hughes to the Chiefs on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Kansas City and Minnesota swapped late-round picks to facilitate trading Hughes, Schefter reports. A 2018 first-round pick, Hughes has missed 24 games since joining the NFL. He'll be something of a low-risk reclamation project for a Chiefs secondary in need of more quality depth.

Hughes was limited in Thursday's practice due to a neck injury.

Hughes practiced without restrictions Wednesday, so Thursday's limited session represents a minor step in the wrong direction. Of course, there's not yet any reason to worry about his availability for Sunday's playoff contest in New Orleans.

Hughes (oblique) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Hughes suffered the oblique injury during last Sunday's win over the Lions, but he was able to practice this week and avoid an injury designation. The 22-year-old should serve his usual role as a rotational defensive back and punt returner in Los Angeles.

Hughes (knee) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Hughes was limited in Thursday's practice due to a knee issue, but he already appears back to full health. With Trae Waynes (ankle) listed as questionable, Hughes could be in line for an expanded role in Minnesota's secondary during Sunday's tilt against the Cowboys.

Hughes was limited in Thursday's practice due to a knee injury.

Hughes wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, indicating that his knee issue may be have been sustained during weekly practices. The second-year pro will have one more opportunity to practice in full ahead of Sunday's tilt against the Cowboys.

Hughes (knee) is officially listed as active for Sunday's game against Oakland.

Hughes will make is return after suffering an ACL tear last October, and it's unclear if he'll be on a snap count for the game. The 2018 first-round pick is expected to sport a knee brace for the game, but could ditch it depending on word from the Vikings' medical staff. Hughes appears in line for likely a nickel-based role as the team looks to ease him back into action.

Hughes (knee) will play Sunday against Oakland, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Hughes plans to wear a brace in his first game back since tearing his ACL last October, but he could ditch it depending on how he and the Vikings' medical staff feel after Sunday's contest. For now, don't expect him to play a major role against the Raiders. Hughes will likely feature in nickel-based coverages as Minnesota looks to ease him back into action.

Hughes (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Hughes appears to be nearing a return to full health after suffering a torn ACL during the 2018 season, which limited him to six games as a rookie. The 22-year-old will play a key role in the Vikings' secondary if he's able to suit up versus Oakland.

Hughes (knee) could suit up for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press reports.

Hughes was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. Coach Mike Zimmer called him "a full go," per Tomasson. The 2018 first-round pick appears to be closing in on a complete recovery from the torn ACL that limited him to six contests as a rookie. If Hughes is able to suit up he'll play a key role in Minnesota's secondary.

Hughes (knee) won't play in Sunday's tilt against Green Bay.

Hughes was a long-shot to play anyways, so his absence won't come as a surprise. The 22-year-old is still trying to recover from a torn ACL he suffered last season, and now that he's officially out, Kris Boyd and Mark Fields are likely to fill in.

Hughes (knee) has been ruled out of Sunday's season opener against Atlanta.

Hughes was a limited participant in each practice this week. The 22-year-old is trying to bounce back from an ACL tear that limited his rookie season to just six games. Hughes figures to see a rotational role in Minnesota's secondary this season when healthy. For now, Kris Boyd and Mark Fields seem to be candidates to see extra work.

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

Hughes is coming off an ACL tear that limited his rookie season to six games and has now logged two consecutive limited practices. Though the second-year cornerback appears to be trending towards sitting out Week 1 versus the Falcons, he's making positive progress in his recovery.

Hughes (knee) returned to practice Wednesday, Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Hughes showed promise in his first six games as a rookie last year, but it ended in disappointment when he tore his ACL in Week 6 versus the Cardinals. Since the injury happened early in the 2018 season, Hughes had extra recovery time and the Vikings left him off the PUP list, meaning he can play within the first six games. While that time likely isn't Week 1 versus the Falcons, Hughes is clearly trending in the right direction.