The Buccaneers placed Hayes (knee) on injured reserve Sunday with a designation to return, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.
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.
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Buccaneers' Josh Hayes: Undergoes minor knee procedure
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Hayes (knee) underwent a procedure Saturday that will sideline him for the start of the 2026 regular season, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
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.
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Buccaneers' Josh Hayes: Sits out Wednesday
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Hayes (undisclosed) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, PewterReport.com reports.
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.
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Buccaneers' Josh Hayes: Takes next step in '24
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Hayes recorded 35 tackles (22 solo), three defensed passes and one fumble recovery across 15 regular-season games in 2024.
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 a 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.
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Buccaneers' Josh Hayes: Ready to play Sunday
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Hayes (hamstring) was deemed active ahead of Sunday's game versus the Chargers.
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 this season, 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 special teams.
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Buccaneers' Josh Hayes: Could return Sunday
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Hayes (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Chargers.
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.
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Buccaneers' Josh Hayes: Won't play vs. Raiders
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Hayes (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
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.
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Buccaneers' Josh Hayes: Back in Monday night
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Hayes (leg) has returned to Monday night's game against the Chiefs, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
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.
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Buccaneers' Josh Hayes: Returning to action
Rotowire
Hayes (ankle) is active Sunday against the Broncos.
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.
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Buccaneers' Josh Hayes: Forced out Sunday
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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.
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.
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Buccaneers' Josh Hayes: Full practice Wednesday
Rotowire
Hayes (illness) was a full participant at the Buccaneers' practice Wednesday.
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.
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Buccaneers' Josh Hayes: Late scratch Sunday
Rotowire
Hayes (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers.
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.
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Buccaneers' Josh Hayes: Returning to action Sunday
Rotowire
Hayes (concussion) isn't among the Buccaneers' inactives for Sunday's clash with San Francisco, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Hayes missed Week 10 against Tennessee while working his way through the NFL's five-step concussion protocol, but he'll be back on the field Sunday to face San Francisco. The rookie has yet to see any work on defense this season, logging all 151 of his snaps on special teams.
