The Atlanta Falcons have spent the last four practices without Jessie Bates, as he's been dealing with a back injury that Kevin Stefanski referred to as minor. But in the interim until Bates returns to practice, the Falcons have to turn to the reserves to find someone to step in with the starters.
Bates' absence has made the safety pecking order behind him and Xavier Watts crystal clear. DeMarcco Hellams has been taking first-team reps in lieu of the three-time All-Pro, and it's starting to seem like this injury offered him the lifeline he's needed in order to lock down his roster spot.
After missing all of 2024 due to injury, Hellams missed six games in 2025 due to a hamstring issue. And while the injury issues are a concern, first-team reps in training camp should be a golden opportunity for him to prove to a new coaching staff that he has what it takes to stick around in 2026.
DeMarcco Hellams has stepped in as a starting safety with Jessie Bates hurt
Falcons beat reporter Joe Patrick reported that the 26-year-old once again took reps with the first-team defense on Friday with Bates sidelined. And while it doesn't seem like he's done much to make an impression, the fact he's getting first-team reps over Jammie Robinson, Sydney Brown, and the newly-signed Keidron Smith is a good sign.
The Dirty Birds have never questioned the talent of the 2023 seventh-round pick, as he's been a quality depth safety when healthy. It's just that he's struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, but now that it's been a fully healthy summer for Hellams, he has a better chance of making the roster.
Hellams is also fortunate that the Falcons are playing Brown as a nickel corner, as that third safety job likely would've been his otherwise. However, that doesn't change the fact that there has been little competition on the safety front, so his first-team reps could mean a roster spot is his to lose.
The Alabama product is obviously nowhere near as proven or polished as Bates, but he's still had a solid summer all things considered. It would've been easy for this new regime to move on from Hellams, but if he makes an impression with the extra reps, he'll play himself right onto the roster.
DeMarcco Hellams is a player who certainly would've been on the roster bubble for the Atlanta Falcons this summer, but now that he's getting reps with the first-team defense with Jessie Bates sidelined, this story may have a much happier ending.
Add us as a preferred source on Google