Falcons' Dee Alford: Departs Thursday with head injury
Rotowire
Alford is being evaluated for a concussion and is questionable to return to Thursday's contest versus Tampa Bay, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Alford was hurt in the first quarter while making a tackle of Chris Godwin. Antonio Hamilton entered as the Falcons' nickel corner in Alford's stead and will likely be asked to hold down that role if the latter is unable to return.
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Falcons' Dee Alford: Notches first sack
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Alford recorded nine tackles (eight solo), including 1.0 sacks, and one pass defensed during Sunday's 26-24 win over the Saints.
After a quiet start to the campaign, Alford has racked up 19 tackles (15 solo) over the last two weeks. The slot cornerback also recorded his first career full sack - he had a split sack during his rookie season in 2022. With Mike Hughes moving outside this season, Alford appears to be thriving in a starting role.
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Falcons' Dee Alford: Tallies 10 tackles Week 3
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Alford finished Sunday's 22-17 loss to Kansas City with 10 tackles (seven solo).
Alford was the second-leading scorer for the Falcons on Sunday behind Troy Andersen (12). After playing just 29 defensive snaps in Week 1 against the Steelers, Alford has played 98 snaps on defense over the last two regular season games and has established himself as the slot corner alongside starters A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes. Alford has 17 tackles (12 solo) and one pass defended through the first three games of the year.
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Falcons' Dee Alford: Nonfactor down the stretch
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Alford finished 2023 with 41 tackles (25 solo), six pass defenses and one fumble recovery in 16 appearances. He also recorded 13 kick-return yards and 160 punt-return yards.
After being a regular defensive contributor for the first 14 weeks of the season, Alford was relegated to primarily operating on special teams over the final four games. He's under contract for one more season, but if the Falcons make any additions to their secondary this offseason, Alford's defensive role could become obsolete in 2024.
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Falcons' Dee Alford: Ruled out for Week 10
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Alford (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 10 game against the Cardinals.
Alford got in a limited practice Thursday but was downgraded to DNP again Friday. Alford picked up the injury in Week 9. With the second-year cornerback out, the Falcons will need to replace his 71 percent playing time clip in the secondary. They have a number of different options.
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Falcons' Dee Alford: Misses practice
Rotowire
Alford (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Terrin Waack of the Falcons' official site reports.
Alford exited Sunday's game against the Vikings with the injury and should currently be considered questionable for Week 10 against the Cardinals. If he is unable to play, Clark Phillips will likely handle nickel corner duties, while Mike Hughes and Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) would be candidates to handle return duties.
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Falcons' Dee Alford: Splits punt-return duties
Rotowire
Alford recorded six tackles (four solo) during Sunday's 24-10 win over the Panthers.
Alford was solid as the team's top slot cornerback, finishing fifth on the team in tackles. However, his presence as a punt returner is also noteworthy. With Avery Williams, who handled punts in 2022, out for the year after tearing his ACL during an offseason workout, the Falcons are looking for someone to take hold of that position. Alford returned a punt for a touchdown during the preseason, but he split duties with Scotty Miller during the regular-season opener.
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Falcons' Dee Alford: Returns punt for TD in opener
Rotowire
Alford recorded one pass defense across 13 defensive snaps and returned a punt for a 79-yard touchdown during Friday's preseason opener against the Dolphins.
Alford, a 2022 undrafted free agent, saw expanded work as a rookie when Atlanta was dealing with numerous injuries to its secondary last year. He totaled 25 tackles, seven pass defenses, an interception and 0.5 sacks across 16 appearances (238 defensive snaps). Alford is battling for a roster spot in 2023, but he has a chance to carve out a role with Clark Phillips (leg) and Jeff Okudah (ankle) currently sidelined. Alford will also compete with newcomer Mike Hughes for punt-return duties, as Avery Williams, who handled punts in 2022, is out for the year after tearing his ACL during offseason workouts.
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Falcons' Dee Alford: Limited Wednesday
Rotowire
Alford (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
Alford returning to practice in any sort of capacity is a great sign for Atlanta as he missed last week. Through his six games with the team he's recorded 15 tackles, one interception and two pass breakups. The cornerback will have two more chances to practice and recover prior to Sunday's contest against Carolina.
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Falcons' Dee Alford: Labeled day-to-day by coach
Rotowire
Alford (hamstring) is considered day-to-day, per coach Arthur Smith, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.
Alford exited Atlanta's Week 7 loss to the Bengals due to the injury, but it sounds like he may not need to miss much additional time. His participation level in practice leading up to the Falcons' Week 8 matchup with Carolina should help dictate Alford's availability. The Falcons can ill afford to have him miss much time with fellow cornerback A.J. Terrell (hamstring) labeled week-to-week.
