Alford entered the league in 2022 after playing the first two seasons of his post-college career playing in the CFL. Alford started a career-high 11 games last season and racked up 83 tackles and 11 pass breakups while earning a PFF coverage grade of 55.9. Alford allowed 76 receptions for 706 yards and eight touchdowns last season while being targeted 102 times — the fourth-most of any cornerback last season. Alford, 27, should generate enough interest to have a chance to make a roster as added depth next season.

Atlanta will be without Alford in a matchup with a Bo Nix-led Broncos passing attack that has shown signs of life in recent weeks. The Falcons being without Alford, Hughes, and Hamilton should be a boon for Nix and Courtland Sutton.

Alford suffered his concussion in the Falcons’ Week 5 win over the Buccaneers, but with extra time to clear protocol, is now good to go for Week 6 against the Panthers. The Falcons’ starting slot corner has played on 180 defensive snaps this season, per PFF, and has allowed opposing receivers to go for 22-185-2 on 26 targets, earning a coverage grade of 51.9.

Alford went down in the first quarter and was ruled out after the break. The Falcons’ slot man, Alford will at least have 10 days to get cleared for Week 6 against the Panthers.