Mike

Hughes

We last saw London play in Week 11 against the Panthers, when he caught 7-of-9 targets for 119 yards before suffering a PCL sprain. He practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday this week before sitting out on Friday. We really would have preferred to see him practice fully at the end of the week, though it is entirely possible that the team gave him the day off for rest and rehab. London’s target-earning ability keeps him in the WR1 tier, though his range of potential outcomes is far wider than normal. The Falcons declared CB Mike Hughes, RB Nathan Carter, LB JD Bertrand, OL Michael Jerrell, WR Casey Washington, DL Elijah Garcia and WR Malik Heath inactive for Week 16 against the Cardinals.

He was added to the report on Friday after practicing in full most of the week and was a “DNP.” DT Brandon Dorlus (illness/shoulder) joins Pearce on the questionable line, while CB Mike Hughes (ankle) has been ruled out.

Hughes is currently undergoing X-rays, and it seems more likely than not that he won’t be back for the contest. Cobee Bryant will replace Hughes at corner for the time being.

Hughes was one of two players on Atlanta with a questionable designation. He will miss Week 10’s game with a neck injury. Right guard Chris Lindstrom is active despite dealing with a foot issue.

The journeyman is making a home in Atlanta after spending 2020-2022 on three different teams. Hughes’ 71.4 PFF coverage grade in 2024 was the second-highest of his career. It was the first year the Falcons had him play almost exclusively outside after he spent most of 2023 at slot. Hughes isn’t a game-changer, but this is solid money for a solid player.

Hollins suffered the ankle injury in Week 9 and has been out ever since. The Falcons have replaced him with a handful of different wideouts, none of whom have been consistent producers. Hollins’ return won’t shake up much for the Falcons’ offense. Cornerback Mike Hughes is also questionable for Week 13.

Hughes started six games for the Lions in 2022 but has largely not lived up to expectations after being selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, starting only 18 games over the first five seasons of his career. Hughes should compete for a starting job in camp for a franchise suddenly healthy in the way of depth in the secondary.

The former first-round washout had a decent 2022 in the Lions’ slot. He is still no one’s idea of a difference-maker, but he has stabilized as someone at least worthy of defensive snaps.

Hughes was the 30th overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Vikings but never lived up to his draft position in Minnesota before being dealt to the Chiefs for a sixth-round pick last offseason. He ended up appearing in all 17 games for the Chiefs, starting five, and playing 45% of the snaps while grading out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 35 cover corner out of 235 qualifiers. It’s a solid add for the Lions’ youthful secondary.

The Chiefs are also receiving a 2022 seventh-rounder. It is close to a full-blown salary dump from the Vikings, who declined former first-rounder Hughes’ 2022 fifth-year team option earlier this month. Neck issues have limited Hughes to just 18 appearances and five starts over the past two seasons, while he suffered a torn ACL in 2018. He was on the field for all of four games in 2020. Hughes is still only 24 years old, but he has not been terribly effective even when active. Hughes’ draft pedigree nevertheless makes it a sensible flier for the two-time defending AFC champion Chiefs to take. Hughes can play both inside and out.