It's another bump in the road for Ra'Shede Hageman's NFL career. After returning to his first season after being on the commissioner's exempt list, Hageman suffered a neck injury in Atlanta's third preseason game.

An injury this early isn't what Hageman would want on his return to the Falcons after missing the last two seasons due to legal issues. The former Golden Gopher landed himself in hot water with allegations that he was involved in a domestic violence-related incident before the 2017 season. Hageman would go onto be released by the Atlanta Falcons two days after being placed on the exempt list.

Article Continues Below
More Atlanta Falcons News
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
NFL rumors: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts drawing legitimate trade interestBen Strauss ·
Sep 24, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Falcons send fans into frenzy after immediately deleting ’28-3′ postMike Gianakos ·
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Falcons, fourth-year lineman agree to $9.5 million dealLorenzo J Reyna ·
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) makes a first quarter catch with New England Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe (25) defending during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium.
Julio Jones makes stunning admission about Falcons’ Super Bowl 51 lossMatty Breisch ·
Kansas defensive back Cobee Bryant (DB05) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
1 Atlanta Falcons rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampJaren Kawada ·
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Kirk Cousins’ voluntary OTAs status will catch Falcons fans’ attentionJake Faigus ·

The University of Minnesota product would be out of football for next two seasons after looking to be a breakout player for the Falcons after their Super Bowl run in 2016. That season, he put together 18 total tackles and a career-high two sacks for himself as he helped the Falcons reach the championship for the second time in their franchise's history.

But now he's back with the Falcons on a one-year deal after the charges were dropped. However, after re-signing, he would earn himself a two-game suspension for the 2019 regular season from the league for violating the substance abuse policy.

Now with his neck injury, Hageman finds himself in more of a dilemma of keeping his spot on the team. He's already trying to prove himself after missing so much time from the field. And now after being buried on the depth chart, it's unlikely that he'll earn his place on the team if this neck injury is serious.