Josh Hayes - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Suffers setback in recovery Hayes suffered a small setback in his recovery from a knee injury, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Impact Hayes underwent a minor procedure on his knee after getting hurt in the preseason, and there's currently no timetable for his return following the setback. Once healthy, the 27-year-old should contribute on special teams.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Placed on injured reserve The Buccaneers placed Hayes (knee) on injured reserve with a designation to return Sunday, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

Impact Hayes underwent surgery on his knee Saturday after picking up the injury during this past Wednesday's practice. The move to IR means he'll be required to miss at least four games, so Week 5 against the Cowboys on Thursday, Oct. 8 is the earliest that Hayes can make his 2026 regular-season debut. He contributed mostly on special teams last year, finishing with 15 tackles (seven solo) and one forced fumble across 17 regular-season games.

SEPTEMBER 1 • ROTOWIRE

Undergoes minor knee procedure Hayes (knee) underwent a procedure Saturday that will sideline him for the start of the 2026 regular season, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Impact Hayes is a prime candidate to start the season on injured reserve. A cutdown day move to IR would see the cornerback sidelined for at least the first four games of the regular season. In Hayes' absence, another cornerback such as Damarion Williams may see an increased number of special teams snaps.

AUGUST 29 • ROTOWIRE

Sits out Wednesday Hayes (undisclosed) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, PewterReport.com reports.

Impact Hayes appears to have sustained an injury and will sit out Friday's preseason finale against the Jaguars as well. The cornerback will likely rest and recover as the team prepares for its Week 1 matchup against the Bengals.

AUGUST 26 • ROTOWIRE

Ryan Miller Recovers Fumble | Bucs vs. Bills Highlights CB Josh Hayes and WR Ryan Miller team up for a turnover against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season.

NOVEMBER 16, 2025 • BUCCANEERS.COM

Ward solid in NFL preseason debut, leading one scoring drive in Titans' 29-7 loss to Buccaneers

Cam Ward’s pro debut was solid, if unspectacular

AUGUST 10, 2025 • Associated Press

Takes next step in '24 Hayes recorded 35 tackles (22 solo), three defensed passes and one fumble recovery across 15 regular-season games in 2024.

Impact The 2023 sixth-round pick saw a boost in involvement during his second season despite playing in the same number of games, with his snap count on defense jumping from 28 to 256. Hayes is still looking for his first career sack and interception, but he posted a career-high 11 tackles in Week 18 against the Saints while filling in for Jamel Dean (knee) and provided four tackles over 23 snaps in the wild-card loss to the Commanders. Hayes will play out the third year of his rookie contract in 2025 and could carve out a case for a larger role with a strong offseason and training camp.

JANUARY 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Career-high tackle total Sunday Hayes posted 11 tackles (10 solo) in the Buccaneers' 27-19 win over the Saints on Sunday.

Impact The second-year cornerback drew the start for Jamel Dean (knee) and made good use of his time on the field, which consisted of 65 snaps (98 percent). Hayes was easily a career high -- he'd previously topped out at six stops in Weeks 9 and 10 this season -- but he's projected to return to a rotational role if Dean is able to return for Sunday night's wild-card matchup against the Commanders.

JANUARY 8, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Ready to play Sunday Hayes (hamstring) was deemed active ahead of Sunday's game versus the Chargers.

Impact Hayes missed last week's win against the Raiders with a hamstring injury and did not return to practice in full until Friday. Across 11 appearances, the 25-year-old has tallied 20 tackles and three passes defended. He will now reprise his role as Tampa Bay's primary reserve cornerback while also working on specfial teams.

DECEMBER 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Could return Sunday Hayes (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Chargers.

Impact Hayes appears to be trending toward suiting up for Sunday's contest, as he upgraded from a DNP on Wednesday to a full practice session Friday. The second-year pro from Kansas State is expected to serve as the Bucs' top reserve corner if he can play in Week 15. If not, expect Tyrek Funderburk to see increased work in Tampa Bay's secondary.

DECEMBER 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play vs. Raiders Hayes (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Impact Hayes popped up on Friday's injury report as a limited practice participant due to a hamstring injury, and the issue is severe enough for him to be sidelined for Sunday's contest. He's mostly served on special teams this season, but Hayes' absence means Dallis Flowers will be the primary backup at outside corner Sunday behind starters Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum.

DECEMBER 7, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Back in Monday night Hayes (leg) has returned to Monday night's game against the Chiefs, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Impact The cornerback exited in the third quarter due to cramps. Hayes has six tackles (five solo), a pass breakup and a fumble recovery in the game.

NOVEMBER 5, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable to return Monday night Hayes (leg) is questionable to return to Monday night's game against the Chiefs.

Impact The cornerback left the game in the third due to cramping. Hayes recorded five tackles (four solo) and a pass breakup before exiting. Tavierre Thomas and Keenan Isaac are the other available backup corners for Tampa Bay.

NOVEMBER 5, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Josh Hayes falls on the Kelce fumble for a clutch turnover in the waning 1st half

NOVEMBER 5, 2024 • YOUTUBE

Returning to action Hayes (ankle) is active Sunday against the Broncos.

Impact Hayes was unable to play in Week 2 against the Lions but is healed enough to suit up in Week 3. He'll add depth to the Buccaneers' secondary and help chip in on special teams.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Sunday Hayes (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's contest against the Lions, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Impact Hayes was unable to practice both Wednesday and Thursday after sustaining an ankle injury during the Buccaneers' Week 1 win, so it's no surprise that he won't be suiting up Sunday. Expect Christian Izien and Tyrek Funderburk to see more work in Tampa Bay's secondary as Hayes continues to recover.

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out with ankle injury Hayes suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's Week 1 game against Washington and won't return to the contest, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Impact It's not clear when Hayes suffered the injury, but he was ruled out early in the third quarter. His exit was preceded by fellow cornerback Zyon McCollum leaving the game after entering concussion protocols, and Bryce Hall was carted off the field with a right leg injury shortly after Hayes was ruled out. That leaves Tampa Bay with just one healthy cornerback (Jamel Dean).

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Out with ankle injury Hayes suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's Week 1 game against Washington and won't return to the contest, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Josh Hayes, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cornerback Joshua Hayes is a 6-0, 175-pound Cornerback from Lakeland, FL. He has committed to North Dakota State Bison.

JUNE 10, 2024 • 247SPORTS.COM

Active Monday Hayes (knee) is active for Monday's wild card game against the Eagles, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Impact Hayes exited Tampa Bay's Week 18 win over the Panthers with the knee injury. The rookie has played 278 snaps on special teams and 28 on defense this season, recording 17 tackles. Hayes should play a depth cornerback role in the playoff matchup with Philadelphia.

JANUARY 16, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Forced out Sunday Hayes was forced out with a knee injury during Sunday's 9-0 win over the Panthers, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.

Impact Hayes sustained a knee injury at some point during Sunday's action, and he was deemed doubtful to return before the end of the contest. It's unclear if the 24-year-old returned during the second half, which will leave his status up in the air as the Buccaneers now prepare to play in the Wild Card round of the postseason after the team secured a spot as the NFC champions.

JANUARY 7, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Full practice Wednesday Hayes (illness) was a full participant at the Buccaneers' practice Wednesday.

Impact Hayes missed the team's 34-20 win over the Packers in Week 15 due to an illness, but he now looks to be ready to go for Sunday's matchup with Jacksonville. The 24-year-old will be back in his depth role at cornerback in Tampa Bay's secondary.

DECEMBER 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Late scratch Sunday Hayes (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers.

Impact Hayes was added to the Sunday injury report after picking up an illness and will miss his second game of the season. The rookie sixth-round draft pick has primarily played on special teams and has accumulated 14 tackles (eight solo) over 12 games.

DECEMBER 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Bucs' beat-up defense to lean on promising rookies even more down the stretch

Tampa could have five rookies or more, including first-round pick Calijah Kancey, in key roles on defense as it fights for a playoff spot.

NOVEMBER 22, 2023 • FOX SPORTS

Bucs' beat-up defense to lean on promising rookies even more down the stretch

Josh Hayes Wants Bucs Fans to Know One Thing, "I Will Give Everything I Got' | Press Conference Defensive Back Josh Hayes spoke to the media following Wednesday's Week 12 practice. DB Hayes discussed his mentality on the football field...

NOVEMBER 22, 2023 • BUCCANEERS.COM

JOSH HAYES NEWS

NEWS

BIO

STATS

VIDEOS

GAME LOG

INJURIES

Ward solid in NFL preseason debut, leading one scoring drive in Titans' 29-7 loss to Buccaneers

Bucs' beat-up defense to lean on promising rookies even more down the stretch