The Falcons also signed defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins to the practice squad.

Terrin Waack

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. Atlanta Falcons safety DeMarcco Hellams was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday.

The Falconsplaced Hellams on injured reserve in Week 14because of a hamstring injury. It was unclear when exactly he sustained the injury since he played inthe Falcons Week 13 loss to the New York Jets, taking 85% of Atlanta's special teams snaps. However, he did not participate in any practice afterward.

Regardless, prior to his injury, Hellams appeared in 11 games this season, recording 10 tackles and recovering a fumble. He primarily played on special teams.

The Falcons originally drafted Hellams in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He started four of the 15 games in which he appeared, totaling 40 tackles. He began his career on special teams but earned defensive reps and starts as the year progressed.

Hellams then spent the entire 2024 season on injured reserve due to an ankle injury he sustained in the Falcons' preseason game against the Miami Dolphins that year.

Hellams now marks the third Falcons player currently in a 21-day window to return from injured reserve.Cornerback Clark Phillips IIIanddefensive lineman Sam Robertswere designated to return last week. Normally, Atlanta would need to decide whether to sign those players to the active roster or place them on season-ending injured reserve before their windows close. There is less than one week left in the season, though.

Also on Wednesday, the Falcons signed defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins to the practice squad.

These moves come amid Week 18 work, as the Falcons prepare to host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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