Hayward (pectoral) has received full medical clearance ahead of the start of the 2023 regular season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward was released by Atlanta back in April with a failed physical designation, but he's now fully healthy and ready to search for a depth role entering his 12th NFL season. The veteran cornerback will turn 34 years old just before Sunday's slate of Week 1 matchups kicks off, but he was a 17-game starter for the Raiders as recently as 2021.

The Falcons released Hayward (pectoral) on Friday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward, who was let go with a failed physical designation, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, will head to free agency after logging 17 tackles (14 solo) and an interception in the first six games last season before missing the rest of the year with a pectoral injury. After adding Jeff Okudah and Mike Hughes during the offseason, the Falcons moved on from the 33-year-old who will now look for a new opportunity elsewhere once he re-proves his health.

Hayward is recovering from pectoral surgery and said Tuesday, "I'm doing good. Hopefully, by OTAs and camp, I'll be 100 percent," D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward started the first six games of 2022 before being placed on IR with what was initially reported as a shoulder injury. The two-time Pro Bowler missed the remainder of the campaign and appears to have undergone surgery, though it's unclear when the procedure took place. If he's healthy, Hayward figures to slot into the starting cornerback spot opposite of A.J. Terrell in 2023, but Atlanta may still add a few more pieces to its secondary this offseason.

Hayward (shoulder) traveled with the Falcons for their Thursday night matchup in Carolina, though he was spotted wearing a sling, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fact that Hayward traveled with the team suggests that he's made progress in his recovery from the shoulder injury he sustained back in Week 6 versus the 49ers. While the veteran cornerback along with A.J. Terrell (hamstring) continue nursing injuries, Darren Hall, Rashad Fenton and Isaiah Oliver are slated for added reps in the team's secondary.

Atlanta placed Hayward (shoulder) on its injured reserve list Tuesday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward was forced out of Sunday's win versus San Francisco early with a shoulder injury, and he'll now have to miss at least the Falcons' next four games as he recovers. Until the two-time Pro Bowler is ready to return, 2021 fourth-rounder Darren Hall should fill in on the boundaries.

Hayward is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the 49ers with a shoulder injury, William McFadden of the Falcons' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward's absence will leave Atlanta's defense significantly under-manned after fellow starting cornerback A.J. Terrell (thigh) also exited against San Francisco. As a result, expect Dee Alford, Mike Ford and Darren Hall to step up into bigger roles in this contest.

Hayward agreed to terms with the Falcons on a two-year, $11 million contract Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward likely stands to handle a starting role in Atlanta's secondary, opposite A.J. Terrell. Despite the fact that he's heading into his age-33 season, there seems to be little to no reason to worry about Hayward's consistency. The veteran cornerback has only missed two contests in the last eight years.

Hayward (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward was limited during Friday's practice session due to an ankle injury, but he'll be able to play through the issue in Sunday's regular-season finale. He's totaled 12 tackles (eight solo) and two pass defenses across the last five games.

Hayward is questionable for Sunday's game against the Chargers due to an ankle injury, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward was absent from the injury report Wednesday and Thursday before working as a limited participant Friday. Keisean Nixon and Desmond Trufant could see more run in the secondary should Hayward be unable to play Sunday.

Hayward (illness) was removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Hayward was moved to the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday but managed to come off the designation in time for Sunday's bout against the Colts. The veteran cornerback has been a crucial secondary piece in his first year with the Raiders.