Phillips finished the 2024 season with 35 total tackles (27 solo), five passes defensed, including an interception, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery over 16 games.
Phillips operated as a depth option behind A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes in 2024, increasing his tackles total in his second season in the NFL, while also snatching his first career interception. With Hughes heading into free agency this offseason, it's possible that Phillips could be thrust into a starting role in Atlanta's secondary in 2025.
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Falcons' Clark Phillips: Secondary role to start camp
Rotowire
Phillips is working with the second-team defense to start training camp, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports.
Phillips earned a starting role as a rookie last year, posting 26 tackles and four pass defenses over the final five weeks. However, he's operating behind Mike Hughes to start training camp, who mostly worked out of the slot last year. Phillips' role may fluctuate, and Kendall also said that Atlanta could be in the market for a free-agent cornerback, noting Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, Adoree' Jackson and J.C. Jackson are all still available.
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Falcons' Clark Phillips: Exits practice with injury
Rotowire
Phillips suffered a leg injury during a joint practice with the Dolphins on Tuesday and had to be carted off, Alanis Thames of The Associated Press reports.
The cornerback tried to break up a pass, couldn't get up without trainer assistance and struggled to apply weight to his lower left leg, but the injury is not serious and he is listed as day-to-day, per Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Phillips was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 Draft after winning the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award last year. The University of Utah product is projected as a backup corner for the Falcons as Week 1 gets closer.
