The Atlanta Falcons kicked off their preseason on Friday night against the Miami Dolphins, marking the debut of new head coach Raheem Morris as he takes the reins for his first season. With hopes of making strides in the NFC South, the Falcons are now led by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who joined the team as their new starting quarterback. The game was an early opportunity to gauge how the new-look Falcons might fare under Morris’ leadership.
Unfortunately, the game was marred by an early injury to second-year safety DeMarcco Hellams, a former Alabama standout. Hellams suffered a left ankle injury in the first quarter and was forced to leave the field on a medical cart. The injury occurred just as the Falcons were getting their first taste of preseason action, casting a shadow over the start of their campaign.
Hellams, who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, played in 15 games for the Falcons last season, starting in four of them. He made a solid impact as a rookie, recording 40 tackles, including one for a loss. The injury is a setback for Hellams, who was looking to build on his promising debut season.
The television broadcast highlighted the severity of the situation, with Hellams seen wearing an air-cast on his leg as he was carted off the field. The Falcons and their fans will now await further updates on his condition, hoping for a speedy recovery as they continue their preparations for the regular season.
