DeMarcco Hellams Cleared to Return as Falcons Make Key Roster Moves Before Saints Game

The Atlanta Falcons have opened a path for safety DeMarcco Hellams to rejoin the active roster. The team officially designated him to return from injured reserve on Wednesday. This move comes just days before their final game of the season against the New Orleans Saints.Hellams has been sidelined since the week before the team’s Week 14 game. He was placed on IR due to a hamstring injury sustained in practice. His potential return offers a late-season boost to the team’s special teams unit.

Roster Flexibility and Final Game Implications

Designating Hellams opens a 21-day practice window. However, the Falcons only have one game remaining this Sunday. According to the team’s official announcement, they must now decide whether to activate him for the finale.Activating him would require a corresponding roster cut. The Falcons may simply use the window to evaluate his health in practice. Hellams last played in Week 13 against the New York Jets, recording tackles on special teams.He is the third Falcon recently designated to return from IR. Cornerback Clark Phillips III and defensive lineman Sam Roberts received the same designation last week. Neither player was activated for the Monday night loss to the Los Angeles Rams

Special Teams Boost and Defensive Depth

Hellams’ primary value this season has been on special teams. In 11 games, he recorded 10 tackles and recovered a fumble. His return would provide experienced depth in the kicking game for the season finale.In a related roster move, the Falcons signed defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins to the practice squad. Jenkins is an undrafted rookie who was with the Arizona Cardinals earlier this year. He adds young depth to the defensive front as the team evaluates talent for the future.

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The Falcons’ decision on DeMarcco Hellams’ return will be a final test of his recovery before the offseason. His availability could influence special teams play in the critical NFC South rivalry game against the Saints.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What does “designated to return” mean for DeMarcco Hellams?

It means the Falcons have opened a 21-day window for him to practice. The team can now evaluate his health and decide whether to activate him for the final game against the Saints.

Q2: Why was DeMarcco Hellams on injured reserve?

Hellams was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury before Week 14. The injury occurred during practice following the Falcons’ game against the New York Jets.

Q3: What role does Hellams play for the Falcons?

This season, he has primarily been a special teams contributor. He appeared in 11 games, making 10 tackles and recovering one fumble in that phase of the game.

Q4: Who else did the Falcons sign this week?

The team added defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins to the practice squad. Jenkins is a rookie who was previously with the Arizona Cardinals but has not played an NFL game yet.

Q5: What happens if the Falcons activate Hellams for Sunday?

To activate him, they would need to release a player from their current 53-man roster. This is a tough decision for a one-game scenario with playoff elimination confirmed.